How are beef cattle classified from weaning until entering the feedlot?

Beef cattle are classified as stockers from weaning until they enter the feedlot. This classification occurs during a critical stage in their development, where they are primarily raised for growth and weight gain before being moved to a feedlot for finishing.

Stockers typically graze on pastures and consume forage, which allows them to gain weight at a slower, more natural rate compared to the high-energy rations they would be given in a feedlot. This phase is essential for developing lean muscle while optimizing growth efficiency and can often lead to better overall health.

Understanding the role of stockers in the beef cattle production system is crucial. They contribute significantly to the overall cycle of beef production by allowing ranchers to effectively manage resources, pastures, and cattle health before the animals transition to the more intensive finishing phase in feedlots.