By Scout Nelson
Rising input costs encourage cattle producers to assess their production expenses and find ways to improve efficiency. Knowing the annual cost of raising cows is essential for making informed management decisions that enhance profitability.
By calculating and categorizing expenses, producers can identify areas where adjustments may be possible. This includes analyzing feed costs, depreciation, labor, breeding expenses, and equipment usage. Recognizing these costs allows producers to compare their operations with industry benchmarks and make strategic improvements.
To help producers better understand these financial aspects, an upcoming webinar series will focus on the fundamentals of calculating and managing annual cow costs.
The course will cover key topics such as:
- Determining the cost per unit of production in a cow-calf operation.
- Evaluating the value and cost of both grazed and harvested feed.
- Calculating cow depreciation and replacement development expenses.
- Assessing equipment and labor costs within the operation.
- Reviewing breeding costs and their value in the overall system.
- Comparing costs with industry benchmarks to identify improvement areas.
The online course will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. CST and costs $70 per participant, including a resource workbook. Participation is limited to 40 individuals, and registration is required by March 17 to receive course materials in advance.
A computer and internet connection are necessary for access. For more details, contact Nebraska Extension Educator Aaron Berger at 308-235-3122 or aberger2@unl.edu. To register, visit Nebraska Extension.
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Categories: Nebraska, Business, Livestock, Dairy Cattle