NMSU Ranch to Rail Contest (NMRR)

Dates: Aug. 15 - Oct. 1, 2024
Time: 8 - 5 PM
Location:
Rex Kirksey Ag Science Center
6502 Quay Road AM 5
Tucumcari, NM 88401

The New Mexico Ranch To Rails Program Returns!

Producers often find it challenging to get information back on how their cattle perform in the feedlot and in carcass quality. It typically requires a sizeable number of calves be committed through the feeding process in order to get the data back. Several years ago, NMSU hosted an annual ranch to rails program for New Mexico cattle producers. This program was designed to give producers valuable information about how their cattle perform in the feedlot and in carcass quality, without having to commit a large number of calves. This program has been rejuvenated with an added twist! Ranches will be competing against each other, with the best performing set of calves earning top billing!

The New Mexico Ranch To Rails (NMRR) Contest requires ranches commit to feeding out 3 steer calves. Participants agree to feed them until they reach 850 pounds. Calves will then be delivered to the Tucumcari Bull Test Station, where individual gain and feed efficiency performance will be measured for 60 days. From there, they will be transported to a feed yard located in Clayton, NM, where they will be put on a finishing ration. Once the calves reach 1250 to 1350 pounds, they will be harvested at a USDA certified facility, where they will be evaluated on both yield and quality grades. Cattle will be sold on the grid, based on carcass quality.

An optional addition to the program is the partnership with youth through the New Mexico Youth Feeder Beef Contest. This part of the program is designed to partner a ranch with youth who may not have access or facilities to house cattle. This is a great opportunity to mentor a young person that is interested in the beef industry. If you would like to participate in the Ranch Partnership Program, please indicate in the email when you enroll.

Registration & Fees: Online registration available! Please choose an option to pay with a credit card or mailing your check.

• Fee: $50 per person
• Deadline: Oct. 1 at 5 PM (Calves do not need to be weaned by deadline)
• Checks: Please make checks payable to NMSU and mail to the address below. Checks must be received by Oct. 1.

ATTN: Marcy Ward
NMSU-ACES | Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources
MSC 3AE, PO Box 30003
Las Cruces, NM 88003
Phone: 575-646-5947 or 575-644-3379 (cell)
Email: maward@nmsu.edu

Refunds: Requests must be received in writing to Marcy Ward at maward@nmsu.edu by Oct. 1.

Please see the NMRR Flyer.
Download the Contest Rules (PDF).
If unable to register online, please download the Enrollment Form (PDF) and submit with your payment.