By plugging a few numbers into this interactive tool, users can generate A report that estimates cutout weights for individual animals, differentiated by USDA yield grade, cutting style, external fat trim level and initial live animal or carcass weight. Additionally, the report reflects current market values since the software uses the prior week's USDA-AMS National Weekly Beef Prices for Boxed Beef Cutouts & Cuts in its calculations. New USDA-AMS information is uploaded to the system every Friday.

"I think this calculator could be helpful to producers who feed their own cattle - or those who don't, but have a relationship with a feeder, said Myron Williams, a South Dakota producer and chairman of the Industry and Producer Services Group. "It could help producers consider more market options, like trying for a grid or a specialty market, and help them build herd history, if that's a practice in their particular operation. It could also give the producer and the feeder a better idea of the animal's value."

Williams noted another value of the calculator is that it takes previous checkoff-funded research and finds a new use for it with the calculator application, expanding the value of the original producer investment.

The calculator is powered by proprietary software, created by CSU graduate students to use data collected in a 1998 checkoff-funded study. The study examined instrument grading in determining beef carcass composition. CSU selected 300 carcasses that provided an equal representation of fat, lean and in-between animals, according to Keith Belk, the CSU animal science professor who led the study. The carcasses were dissected sequentially - from the primal down to the first tier of subprimals and so forth - and weighed. The software uses this research data to estimate cutout weights.

While the calculations are strong value indicators, Belk said, it's important to keep in mind that they are based on averages of typical beef cattle harvested in the United States, and individual values may vary.

The calculated reports accommodate all users by providing IMPS/NAMP numbers for product identification, as well as illustrated carcass diagrams and digital photos of most of the common subprimal beef cuts. It was designed with user friendliness in mind, and even displays on-screen video examples to walk users through the steps to generate a report.

Users select from several common cutout strategies, although not all cutout options are represented. Strategies depend on the fat trim level selected. For example, the bone-in rib is an option if the user selects commodity trim but not an option if the user selects 1/8th- inch trim. A possible site upgrade would include values for cuts targeting export markets.

The calculator could also help identify the value of various management decisions on the ranch or in the feedlot, Belk said.

"For example, a feeder is trying to decide on how much longer he/she might feed a group of cattle to try and 'hit the market peaks.' Then, by accounting for possible changes in carcass weight and grade as a result of such a decision, the feeder can project the net gain/loss given the current market conditions."

Belk added that the calculator is expected to help all levels of the production chain, including niche-market processors - such as very small or medium sized companies - or even consumers who buy a steer and have it processed for their own use.