So how does that translate to cow size? Brink says Texas A&M University research shows that, as a rule of thumb, the mature weight of cows in moderate body condition (body condition score 5) averages about the same as equivalent frame score steers with 0.5 in. of backfat — a steer ready for harvest.

Brink acknowledges that a heavier cow is a little more expensive to carry. Using $500 as an average cow cost and assuming two-thirds of that is feed, he figures it costs $335 a year to feed a 1,225-lb. cow. “If I look at a bigger cow and the metabolic size of that cow, it's going to be about 8% more. So the heavier 1,350-lb. cow that's going to produce a heavier steer is going to cost $361, or $26 more.”

While that's a cost disadvantage to the rancher in terms of annual cow cost, Brink says there's a greater return with a cow that weans a heavier calf. Plus, overall, the heavier cow with the genetics to produce a calf that grows efficiently creates $16 more in value to the industry.

“And that doesn't include the stocker phase. If there's a stocker phase in here, which animal do you think will win? Probably (the bigger steers) will add a few more dollars.”

Brink relates those numbers not to tell cow-calf producers what cow size they need. “It's really just a long-winded way of saying keep some performance in your cattle.”

There's value in that. “If we know what the cattle are, are we going to bid those cattle differently? Absolutely, because lighter-finishing steers feed more like heifers. Their gain is more like a heifer, their conversion is more like a heifer. So honestly, we need to pay a heifer price for them.”

Conversely, he says, cattle with bred-in performance are worth more. “Not only do you get paid for heavier weaning weights with those kinds of calves, but feedyards will pay up to own cattle with more performance. It's worth it to us and that makes it worth it to you.”