Enterprise budget tool available for feedlot producers

 

An enterprise budget tool for feedlot producers is available on the MSU Extension website. Enterprise budgets are used to forecast economic profitability. This tool presents budgets for both beef and Holstein cattle at different placement weights. The tool is customizable so that an operation’s specific values, including rations, can be entered and subsequent profitability calculated. Accompanying slides are also available that detail the purpose of enterprise budgets, why opportunity costs are important to include, sections of the budget (revenue, operating and yardage costs), and how to conduct a sensitivity analysis.

 

Video: Episode 107: Think you have a closed herd?

Surveys show many producers believe they operate a closed herd, but what does “closed” really mean? For some, it simply means being genetically closed by raising their own replacements and cleanup bulls, using artificial insemination for new genetics and avoiding the purchase of outsourced cattle. However, being a truly closed herd goes far beyond genetics. A closed herd also works to eliminate as many potential sources of disease introduction as possible. In this episode, we take a closer look at what it truly means to run a closed herd.