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Abstract
Many value-added practices cannot be observed by feeder cattle buyers. Third-party verification
can decrease market inefficiency associated with this asymmetric information. We evaluate the
effectiveness of a verification program, the Oklahoma Quality Beef Network, in increasing
received prices. We estimate the value of verification, weaning, vaccinating, certification and
phenotypic traits of feeder cattle at Oklahoma auctions. Results indicate that the OQBN program
adds $2.39 to $5.74/cwt. Vaccinating calves adds $1.44/cwt, and weaning calves adds $2.05/cwt.
Differential values for lot size, average weight, hide color, frame size, conditioning, Brahman
influence, gender and other characteristics are also reported.