Making a good year better

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by Shannon Sand, SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist

 

Record high cattle prices have led to questions about additional revenue-generating options in the market. This has led some producers to wonder if there is potential for additional revenue. One of the possibilities for creating extra revenue is to buy bred cows this fall and sell both the cow and calf. The main factor for producers to consider when looking at this option is what comparative advantages they have.

Some questions the producer should ask themselves are:

  • Is there enough feed supply (raised vs. bought) to support extra livestock?
  • Is there available labor to calve the extra cows?
  • Is there adequate space available for cow-calf pairs in spring/ summer?
  • Do producers need to rent more pasture?
  • What does the futures market look like for calves?
  • Should we consider Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)?

After answering these questions and figuring out their cost structure a producer will have a better understanding of whether or not their operation can support extra cattle. An enterprise budget for this endeavor will provide answers to the financial components of these questions. A labor and resource analysis can answer the labor and space requirement issues. If all of these components are favorable then this could be a way for the operation to make additional revenue in 2015.

 

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While this is just one example of what a producer could potentially do it is important to remember that not all producers will have the same cost structure, labor, and resources in their operations. This strategy has some potential in the short run while calf and cull-cow market prices are high and feed prices are low

1. While some producers can capitalize on its potential, it is important to remember that this endeavor needs to be analyzed for profit each year as prices for feedstuffs and the cattle markets change

2.This is a short term strategy and not one intended for long run growth.

The information in this article is believed to be reliable and correct. However, no guarantee or warranty is provided for its accuracy or completeness. This information is provided exclusively for educational purposes and any action or inaction or decisions made as the result of reading this material is solely the responsibility of readers. The author and South Dakota State University disclaim any responsibility for loss associated with the use of this information. There is substantial risk of loss in trading commodity futures contracts and traders should consult their brokers for a full disclosure of these risks to determine whether such trading is suitable for them in light of their circumstances and financial resources (See iGrow article: Corn Reports Benefit Cattle Feeders)

 

 

Source:  SDSU iGrow

Posted by Jami Howell

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