A Comparison of Factors that Affect Ranching Profits

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of income and expense factors for beef cow-calf operations, 39 factors were identified. Using these, eight were evaluated independently for impact. A $10.00 difference in net return per cow resulted from the following changes: 57.2 pounds selling weight per calf; 3.6 cents per pound of calf weight sold; 10.3 percent calf crop; $4.02 per ton for hay; 12.2 months of pasture versus hay with hay at $14.00 per ton or 4.1 months with hay at $18.00 per ton; .2 animal unit months per acre in stocking rate; $25.30 per acre grazing land value; and $9.04 tax per animal unit. The input required to produce these changes and others related thereto must be assessed for each individual case before making resource use decisions for increasing income.