Managing range cattle for risk—the STEERISK spreadsheet

Abstract

Variable weather, forage production, weed and pest problems, and livestock prices contribute to uncertainty in range livestock production. Because returns from livestock production, in which producers invest money and other resources, are uncertain, these variables are sources of risk. The STEERISK spreadsheet gives producers a tool to estimate the chances of different levels of forage production, test different management and marketing strategies, and estimate returns from them. Examples of STEERISK applications include selecting the most profitable stocking rate and evaluating the profitability of weed and insect control.