That is the one thing I struggle with selling direct to the feedlot, the loss of price discovery, as I believe it is crucial to true markets, though I know it won't be long and beef will eventually go the way of poultry, hogs, and dairy, so I guess if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.  Guess I see marketing potloads of reputation, proven feeders to feedyards, year in and year out the way of the future, what is left of our area salebarns has become more of a cattle trading circus, with only a few real buyers, maybe a couple big feeder runs each year that bring in more of the bigger farmer feeders.  The stories I hear and even some of the ways I've seen them sell stock, I just don't trust them, cull cows is all they get out of me.  I've been using quite a bit of Gardiner and some Sydenstricker genetics, mainly looking for a frame 6 cow that is thick with volume and can carry flesh on grass and cornstalks.  I haven't bought any cows for several years as I'm never satisfied with what I purchase over what I raise.  Sire selection is primarily from a female improvement viewpoint (disposition, udders, fleshing ability, etc.) and carcass is secondary but very important, as my buyer for my calves pays me a premium each year based on the %choice on the previous years crop.  This has worked well for our operation and we continue to try and improve each year.

Eddie