Factors Affecting Cow-Calf Costs, Production, and Profits Clement E. Ward, Professor Department of Agricultural Economics Oklahoma State University

Objectives * Identify factors affecting cow-calf costs, production, and profitability * Note: This research was conducted by Ruslyn Ramsey under the direction of Damona Doye with assistance from Clem Ward

Data Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) data compiled by Texas A&M University 394 cowherd observations in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico from

Results Figures The following figures show the percentage of cowherd observations by various factors

Cowherd cost per hundredweight (pretax, before non-calf revenue adjustment)

Pounds weaned per exposed female

Percent return on assets

Cowherd size (beginning fiscal year breeding cow inventory)

Real estate investment per cow (land and improvements)

Machinery and equipment investment per cow

Livestock investment per cow

Purchased or raised feed per breeding cow

Calving percentage

Calving death loss (based on exposed females)

Breeding season length

Conclusions Factors increasing cow-calf costs – Investments in real estate, machinery and equipment, and livestock; Pounds of feed fed; Calf death loss Factors leading to lower costs – Larger cow herds; Higher calving percentage; Shorter breeding season

Conclusions (continued) Factors increasing cow-calf production – Investments in livestock; Higher calving percentage Factors decreasing production – Calf death loss; Longer breeding season

Conclusions (continued) Factors increasing cow-calf profits – Larger cow herds; Higher calving percentage Factors leading to lower returns – Pounds of feed fed