Marketing fed cattle using grid pricing has become a popluar way to sell cattle. One of the most important beef characteristics, according to consumers, is beef tenderness. USDA quality grades are poor predictors of meat tenderness. However, mechanical shear force does objectively measure...

Beef food safety events have contributed to considerable market volatility, produced varied consumer reactions, created policy debates, sparked heated trade disputes, and generally contributed to beef industry frustrations. Better understanding of the forces causing observed consumer reactions...

Forecasting feeder cattle basis has long been difficult because of the myriad factors that influence basis, including input and output prices and lot characteristics. This research draws upon knowledge of the various factors that influence cash feeder cattle prices to develop hedonic feeder...

Successful risk management strategies for agribusiness firms are contingent on the ability to accurately forecast basis. There has been substantial research on the actual use of basis forecasts, yet little research has been conducted on actually forecasting basis. This study evaluates the effect...

Two beef cattle production traits that affect performance are frame size and muscle thickness. Buyers pay premiums or discounts for feeder cattle with different frame and muscling. Do prices accurately reflect performance? What effect do frame and muscling have on profitability? Performance...

Preconditioning is not new but has received considerable attention in recent years. This research addresses two questions. Are buyers of preconditioned feeder calves paying a price premium close to the performance benefits expected from preconditioning? Is there information asymmetry in the...