SELECTING STEERS FOR FEEDING 21 



On the other hand, operators who have their farms provided 

 with shed and barn room and have a good supply of hay or corn 

 silage, may do well to consider buying in the fall and running 

 them over the winter. There is a difference between the price 

 in the fall and the price in the spring, of $1 to $1.50 per 100 

 pounds, which is the premium offered by the men who do not wish 

 to winter cattle. This premium is based upon the probable cost 

 of keeping the cattle over the winter. It has been found that 

 cattle can be wintered on a good grade of hay and silage for as 

 low as 23 cents per 100 pounds, which is considerably less than 

 the premium offered. When this can be done, it is of course ad- 



FIGURE 13. A COLLEGE SHOW HERD 



Rear riew shows development of twist and thigh. Also note smoothness at 

 tail head, rump, and pin bones. 



visable to buy the cattle in the fall and winter them, if either 

 grazing or summer feeding is the purpose. 



If winter feeding is to be carried on, the same general rule 

 applies. The operator either buys his cattle in the fall just pre- 

 ceding the feeding period, or he buys them the spring preceding, 

 or as stockers in the fall preceding that. If he buys them to put 

 directly into the feed lot, he pays more for them to compensate 

 for the difference in quality of flesh which they carry. Good 

 feeders are comparatively cheaper in the fall than in the spring, 

 because during the fall months pastures become dry and native 

 grass cattle are sent in. The range cattle are also coming onto 

 the market at that time and tend to lower the price of the feeder. 

 There is more quality on the market, -consequently it is not at so 



