(JUNE 3) – USDA recently provided clarification on how specific groups of cattle fit into the categories outlined in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Learn more on www.farmers.gov/cfap/livestock.

 

Newborn Calf 

Calves from birth to days old

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < 600 lbs

 

Calf  

Calves still nursing the cow, animals that generally weigh less than 500 pounds

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < 600 lbs

 

Bucket Calf      

Orphan or newborn calf normally purchased when they are 1 to 10 days old

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < 600 lbs

 

Heiferette  

A female bovine animal that has not calved and weighs more than 500 pounds; OR a heifer placed on feed following the loss of a calf or an open heifer placed on feed following the breeding season

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

 

Steer   

A castrated male bovine animal that generally weighs more than 500 pounds

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

 

Weaner or Weaned Calf

Animal between 105 and 355 days coming from cow-calf

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

 

Backgrounded Cattle     

Steers and heifers that are fed a warm up or conditioning ration are normally fed to approximately 700 pounds, and then sold as feeders or shipped to another feedlot to be finished for the slaughter market

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

 

Stockers/Feeders/ Feeder Calves    

Young weaned steers or heifers, weighing approximately 400-800 pounds usually grazing on pasture and/or feed ration to prepare for shipment to feeders intended for slaughter or selected for replacement stock

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

 

Yearlings    

Calves between 1 and 2 years of age

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle > 600 lbs

 

Open Heifer  

Non-pregnant female bovine

CFAP Category: Feeder Cattle: < or > 600 lbs, as applicable

 

Replacement Heifers     

A heifer that has been selected to be bred and placed in the beef herd

CFAP Category: All Other Cattle

 

Bred Heifers   

A female bovine that is pregnant with her first calf

CFAP Category: All Other Cattle

 

First Calf Heifers     

A young female that has had only one calf

CFAP Category: All Other Cattle

 

Bred Cows     

A female bovine animal that has borne at least one calf

CFAP Category: All Other Cattle

 

Open Cows – Retained in Herd   

(Non-pregnant) cows at the end of the breeding season

CFAP Category: All Other Cattle

 

Open Cows – Slaughter 

(Non-pregnant) cows at the end of the breeding season

CFAP Category: Slaughter Cattle: Mature

 

Cows-Culled (Beef and Dairy)    

A cow that is removed from the main breeding herd or dairy production for one or more reasons (i.e., age, poor production, physical ailment, poor disposition, genetic selection, etc.) and is generally sold for slaughter and not destined to be a replacement

CFAP Category: Slaughter Cattle: Mature

 

Herd Bulls-Culled (Beef and Dairy)      

A mature (approximately 24 months of age or older) uncastrated, male bovine removed from the main breeding herd sold for slaughter and not destined to be replacement

CFAP Category: Slaughter Cattle: Mature

 

Herd Bulls (Breeding-Beef only)

A mature (approximately 24 months of age or older) uncastrated, male bovine used for breeding purposes

CFAP Category: All Other Cattle

 

Finished Cattle (1200 lbs or more)    

Cattle that have reached the optimal weight and conditions ready for slaughter

CFAP Category: Slaughter Cattle: Fed

 

Fat Steer/Heifer (1200 lbs or more)        

Cattle that have reached the optimal weight and conditions ready for slaughter

CFAP Category: Slaughter Cattle: Fed