Finishing Guide
Feed it right. Hit the rail at peak.
A few weeks of focused finishing makes the difference between average and extraordinary. Here's the playbook we share with our farmers and 4-H families.
Target harvest weight
1,100 – 1,400 lb live weight; ~60–62% dress
Finishing window
Finishing: 90–120 days on high-energy ration
Ration & feeding
- ▸70–80% grain (corn, barley, or milo).
- ▸20–30% roughage (good hay or silage).
- ▸Step up grain gradually — 1.5–2.5% of body weight per day in dry matter.
- ▸Free-choice mineral with selenium, calcium, and salt; clean water 24/7.
Signs of readiness
Brisket and tail-head fat deposits, rounded hindquarters, flat back. Tailhead and brisket feel firm, not jiggly.
Off feed before processing
24 hours water only recommended before processing.
Pro tips from the cutting floor
- ★Avoid ration changes in the last 30 days — keeps marbling consistent.
- ★Low-stress handling the last 48 hours improves tenderness and shelf life.
- ★Grass-finished? Plan an extra 60–90 days and target 1,050–1,200 lb.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines based on industry standards and shop experience. Every animal, breed, and season is different — call us anytime to talk through your specific situation.