A:   The first part of your question is relatively easy. Dressing percent of a finished beef animal is bewteen 61% and 63%. So a 1200 pound steer could have a 732 pound carcass (61% dressing percentage). If the carcass is fabricated after 10 days of aging in a dry cooler the carcass weight could decrease to 703 pounds (4% cooler shrinkage). The meat yield would then be 415 pounds of boneless subprimal cuts (boxed beef cuts) and 85% lean trimmings (59% meat yield).

What is the best weight to harvest a beef calf is not that easy to answer as it will vary with breed type and age that the calf was started on feed. Usually we try to feed calves to .4 of an inch backfat as we feel at this fat level they have a chance to grade USDA Qaulity Grade Choice (again will vary by breed composition) and will have enough marbling to have good taste and flavor. Most beef calves will finish between 1200 and 1400 pounds.