What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Similar documents
The Effects of Supplementation and Forage Source on Performance of Steers During Fall Backgrounding

PROJECTED COSTS AND RETURNS FOR BEEF CATTLE, DAIRY PRODUCTION, SWINE PRODUCTION AND FORAGE CROPS IN LOUISIANA, 1997

Changes In Growth Performance Of Steers And Nutritive Value Of Wheat Pasture From Fall/Winter Grazing To Graze-Out

Beef Production from Holstein Steers on No-Till Ryegrass Pastures

Cattle Feeder's Planning Guide

Effects of Feeding Citrus Pulp Supplements on the Performance of Calves in a Preconditioning Program

Effects of Feeding Whole Cottonseed on Calf Performance During Preconditioning

Grain versus Grazing: The Decision Process. Stan Bevers Professor & Extension Economist Vernon, Texas

THREE YEARS OF GRAZING CORN by Clif Little Extension Agent Agriculture/Natural Resources

PROJECTED COSTS AND RETURNS FOR BEEF CATTLE, DAIRY, BROILER AND FORAGE CROP PRODUCTION IN LOUISIANA, 2001

District 11-Projected Cow-Calf Enterprise Budget Breeding Cow Herd on Improved Pasture

Livestock Enterprise. Budgets for Iowa 2017 File B1-21. Ag Decision Maker

SHEEP FLOCK PLANNING GUIDE,"

Livestock Enterprise. Budgets for Iowa 2016 File B1-21. Ag Decision Maker

AGRICULTURAL ALTERNATIVES

Utilizing Crop Residues in Winter Feeding Systems. Ashley Krause and H.A. Lardner January 20 th, 2011

Cost and Return per Lamb - Long Range

Use of Soft-Red Winter Wheat Forage for Stocker Cattle Production During the Fall and Winter 1

AGRICULTURAL ALTERNATIVES

2018 UW Extension Cattle Feeders Workshops UW Extension Beef Decision Making Tools

Equine Pasture Management

Update on Preconditioning Beef Calves Prior to Sale by Cow Calf Producers. Objectives of a Preconditioning Program. Vac-45 Calves

Growth Performance of Stocker Calves Backgrounded on Sod-seeded Winter Annuals or Hay and Grain

Wheat Pasture Intake by Early-Weaned Calves

Livestock Enterprise. Budgets for Iowa 2008 File B1-21. Ag Decision Maker

Livestock Enterprise. Budgets for Iowa 2010 File B1-21. Ag Decision Maker

FEEDING HORSES WHEN FEED IS SHORT R.J. (Bob) Coleman Ph.D. PAS

DAIRY Feed Management Plan Checklist

The Value of Improving the Performance of your Cow-Calf Operation

Winter Cow Feeding Strategies. Why is this Important?

AGRICULTURAL ALTERNATIVES

Guidelines for Estimating. Bison Cow-Calf Production Costs 2017 in Manitoba

Developing a Forage Management Strategy to Maximize Fall and Winter Grazing

Effects of Supplemental Undegradable Protein on the Performance of Fall-Calving Cows Grazing Dormant Native Range

Use of Soybean Hulls as a Complementary Feedstuff to Winter Rye Pasture

Using Confinement as a Component in Beef Production Systems. Karla H. Jenkins, Shelby Gardine, Jason Warner, Terry Klopfenstein, Rick Rasby

FORAGE SYSTEMS TO REDUCE THE WINTER FEEDING PERIOD. Gerald W. Evers

This article was presented on June 26, 1996 at the Purdue Hay Day.

Backgrounding Calves Part 1: Assessing the Opportunity

Cow/calf Management Winter and Spring

Integration of Pasturing Systems for Cattle Finishing Programs: A Progress Report

Kansas Farm Economy Update Land and Leasing

Risk Management and the Cost of Production. Curt Lacy Extension Economist-Livestock University of Georgia

EFFECTS OF LIMIT FEEDING ON FEEDLOT PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS

TIMELY INFORMATION. DAERS 08-4 August Making Adjustments To The Cattle Herd Due To Higher Production Costs

Guidelines for Estimating. Beef Grassing Costs. in Manitoba

Slope Farms. Our farm. Our work with other farmers. Experience with leasing land. Models for seasonal grazing

EC Estimating the Most Profitable Use of Center-Pivot Irrigation for a Ranch

A. Circle the best answer. Put a square around your second choice, if you want. If your second choice is correct you get half credit.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE August 1972 FCR-83 cooperating with New Mexico State University COSTS NOV

Performance and Economic Analysis of Calf-Fed and Yearling Systems for Fall-Born Calves

What are nutrients? Nutrients are food components that support life Growth Body maintenance Producing milk (lactation) Pregnancy (gestation)

INFLUENCE OF WEANING DATE (EARLY OR NORMAL) ON PERFORMANCE, HEALTH, AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF MAY BORN ANGUS CALVES

Revised Estimated Returns Series Beginning in 2007

Practices to Improve Beef Cattle Efficiency

ECONOMICS OF FEEDING MARKET COWS USING DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES 1

Corn Silage for Beef Cattle

Backgrounding Calves Part 2: Herd Health and Feeding

Classes of Livestock. Numbers to Remember. Crude Protein. Nutrition for the Cow-calf. Factors influencing Requirements

3. Total revenue 80,605 1,622

Beef Operation Size/Profitability. Andy Weaber

Emmit L. Rawls Professor Agricultural Economics

2013 Georgia Grazing School:

Forage-Livestock Research Progress Report

2001 Beef Research Report Iowa State University

Silage and wheat pasture for wintering and finishing weanling calves

Webster County Diversified Agriculture Conference

LIMIT FEEDING CONCENTRATE DIETS TO BEEF COWS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO FEEDING HAY. David Lalman, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist OSU Animal Science

Howard County Ag. Day: Beef Cow Economics

Guidelines for Estimating. Beef Cow-Calf Production Costs. in Manitoba

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CONSERVATION TILLAGE WINTER SMALL GRAINS FORAGE PRODUCTION IN ARKANSAS

Guidelines for Estimating. Beef Cow-Calf Production Costs 2017 in Manitoba

Backgrounding Calves on Co-products

October 20, 1998 Ames, Iowa Econ. Info U.S., WORLD CROP ESTIMATES TIGHTEN SOYBEAN SUPPLY- DEMAND:

Forage-Livestock Research Progress Report

2007 PLANNING BUDGETS FOR DAIRY PRODUCTION IN MISSISSIPPI COSTS AND RETURNS. 112 and 250 COW DAIRY ENTERPRISES LARGE BREED CATTLE MISSISSIPPI, 2007

Replacement Heifer Development: Part II - Nutrition

Seasonal Trends in Steer Feeding Profits, Prices, and Performance

TIMELY INFORMATION Agriculture & Natural Resources

Investigating New Marketing Options to Increase Beef Production in Ontario

Economics of Grazing Cover Crops

Drought Strategies - What To Do?

Efficacy of Grazing Stockpiled Perennial Forages for Winter Maintenance of Beef Cows

You can t control the weather, but you can take steps to safeguard your herd.

Characteristics and Production Costs of U.S. Cow-Calf Operations

Canola Meal & The Beef Industry. J. McKinnon & K. Wallburger University of Saskatchewan & B. Doig Saskatchewan Agriculture & Food

The Contributions Approach to Establishing Equitable Pasture Lease Agreements Stocking Rates

Determining Your Unit Costs of Producing A Hundred Weight of Calf

Finishing Beef Cattle on Grass Supplemented with Self-fed By-Products

Beef Cattle Nutrition Fast Start Training Dec. 11, Overview U.S. Beef Cattle Numbers. Industry Segments U.S.

Value of Modified Wet Distillers Grains in Cattle Diets without Corn

AGRICULTURAL ALTERNATIVES

THE COLORADO EXPERIMENT STATION

Economics 330 Fall 2005 Exam 1. Strategic Planning and Budgeting

Southeast Cattle Advisor

TIMELY INFORMATION. Agriculture & Natural Resources AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND RURAL SOCIOLOGY, AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL

PERFORMANCE OF NURSING CALVES FED SUPPLEMENT WITH VARYING PROTEIN LEVELS. D. B. Faulkner and F. A. Ireland

An Economic Comparison of Organic and Conventional Dairy Production, and Estimations on the Cost of Transitioning to Organic Production

Characteristics of beef cattle operations in the West. C. Alan Rotz,* Senorpe Asem-Hiablie,* Robert Stout,* and Kathleen Fisher

Proceedings, State of Beef Conference November 2 and 3, 2016, North Platte, Nebraska OPTIMUM MANAGMEMENT FOR BACKGROUNDING SYSTEMS

Transcription:

Bulletin 70 September 008 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture? MISSISSIPPI AGRICULTURAL & FORESTRY EXPERIMENT STATION MELISSA J. MIXON, INTERIM DIRECTOR MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY VANCE H. WATSON, INTERIM PRESIDENT MELISSA J. MIXON, INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT

What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture? D.G. St. Louis South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station Mississippi State University Poplarville, Mississippi R.D. Little Department of Agricultural Economics Mississippi State University Starkville, Mississippi Bulletin 70 was published by the Office of Agricultural Communications, a unit of the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. Copyright 008 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture? INTRODUCTION Many growing cattle graze ryegrass pastures in south Mississippi before they are shipped for fattening in western feedlots. The profitability of grazing ryegrass is greatly affected by stocking rate and supplemental feed costs. As stocking rates increase, per-animal pasture costs decrease. However, at higher stocking rates, feed costs may also increase. Optimum stocking rates and profitability depend upon many variables. The most important variable for growing ryegrass is weather, which affects rainfall, temperature, and planting time. Most producers remove animals from pasture when grazing is inadequate due to adverse weather effects. Therefore, they try to set their initial stocking rate to minimize the amount of time that cattle are off pasture to minimize the amount of supplemental feed necessary. This procedure increases per-animal pasture costs and can prevent the forage from being used to its full potential. However, past experience has taught producers that animal performance is much better on ryegrass pasture than off. Bermudagrass or bahiagrass hay is usually fed when cattle are removed from ryegrass pasture because hay costs less than other feeds. However, feeding hay is often not cost-effective because animal daily gains are insufficient to cover feed costs. Hay typically contains inadequate protein and/or energy to meet animal nutrient requirements. Supplementation with feed grains and feed by-products is often necessary to enhance animal performance and farm profits (Kunkle, 00; McCann and Stewart, 000; Rankin, 007). The objective should be to maximize returns to animal weight gain (final weight minus initial weight), as this is the end product being sold. Farmers in south Mississippi often enter into contract agreements through which they are paid for the weight gain of growing cattle that are owned by someone else. By grazing cattle on contract, farmers () are not exposed to the risks of price volatility, () do not need as much capital, and () typically share death loss, thus it is usually spread between the farmer and cattle owner. However, the farmer assumes all of the risks of weather, cattle sickness, management decisions, and plant diseases and pests. The overall goal of this study was to determine if selected grain supplementation strategies could improve profitability of grazing cattle, whether the farmer owned the cattle or not. This study had three objectives: To evaluate animal weight gains and profitability of total mixed rations (TMRs) for growing beef cattle in south Mississippi; To determine if TMRs are feasible for supplementing ryegrass pasture; and To use least-cost ration formulation, with current nutrition research results, to reduce the cost of gain for growing beef cattle. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

MATERIALS AND METHODS We randomly assigned 94 steers to one of three treatments in a randomized complete block design with years as blocks and animals as subsamples. There were three treatments: () Drylot feeding with no ryegrass pasture (DRY- LOT); () Control treatment of ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre (RG); and () Ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre (RG). DRYLOT had 49 animals, RG had 8, and RG had 6 (Table ). Numbers per treatment varied due to the size of pastures and the desired stocking rates. The beginning weight was 54 pounds in year (00-004), 84 pounds in year (004-005), and 40 pounds in year (005-006). Animals were blocked by weight and assigned so that each treatment group had equal average initial weights per group. Animals were typical, No. grade, contract-grazing steers. South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station bought the steers in year. In years and, the station received steers on contract from the cattle owners (Caprock Cattle Feeders and P & R Cattle) and was paid based on animal gains. Animal weight gains, determined from purchase and sale weights, were analyzed using SAS GLM procedures. In year, cattle were preconditioned together on ryegrass pasture upon arrival and then assigned to treatments after days. In subsequent years, cattle were preconditioned before arrival. Preconditioning included deworming with Cydectin and immunization against respiratory and clostridial diseases. The diet for animals in the DRYLOT treatment was formulated in a TMR to minimize the feed cost of gain using two models, the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS, Version 5.0, Level, 00) and BRILL Feed Ration Balancer (Feed Management Systems, Inc.). The BRILL model was used to formulate least-cost diets, and the results were evaluated with the CNCPS model. The BRILL model is a linear program to determine which feedstuffs that, when combined, will minimize costs and still meet the maximum or minimum nutrient limitations imposed. Inputs are feed costs and feed nutrient analyses. Major restrictions for the BRILL program were neutral detergent fiber (NDF), net energy for gain (NEg), and digestible intake protein (DIP). There were several restrictions to the CNCPS model: rumen ph above 6.4, fat below 6%, and positive metabolizable protein (MP) and rumen nitrogen balance. Resulting diets that minimized the cost of gain were also those that maximized average daily gains (ADG) given these restrictions. Major feed ingredients used in diet formulation (corn, soybean hulls, corn gluten feed, whole cottonseed, etc.) were delivered in bulk and priced on the day of delivery. Locally produced bermudagrass hay was shredded and priced at $60 per ton in the formulation program, if it was used in the diets. When feedstuff inventory began to be depleted, a new least-cost diet was reformulated using current feed prices. Therefore, feeds and their amounts in the diet were adjusted as necessary to minimize the feed cost of gain. The price per ton of reformulated TMR was recalculated using the cost of the new ingredient purchased and the purchase price of ingredients still on inventory at the time. The resulting TMR was fed using a mixer feeder wagon mounted with scales. For animals in treatments RG and RG, Marshall ryegrass was planted in mid-september by drilling seed (5 pounds per acre) into a seedbed prepared by disking. Fertilizer was applied and incorporated in the last disking to provide pounds per acre of N plus P O 5 and K O to meet soil recommendations. Additional N at 68 pounds per acre was applied in November and January to provide one unit of N for each day from planting to April. In year (00-004), N application on treatment RG pasture was reduced to 5 pounds per acre in the January because pasture had adequate growth to meet the animal requirements. In year (005-006), the first application of additional N was not until mid-december, and the second application was skipped due to drought and late stand establishment. Grazing of pastures began when ryegrass was about 0 inches high. One week before quantity of ryegrass pasture was judged to limit intake of grazing animals ( inches), the TMR used in the DRYLOT treatment was fed ad libitum without removing cattle from pasture. When grazing was judged to be adequate (5 inches) feeding of the TMR was discontinued. The grazing period varied each year, depending on weather. Feed samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) by NIR analysis for ini- What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

tial diet formulations. Values for other feed fractions were taken from the NRC (996) appendix Tables 6-8. Economic analyses were conducted each year for each treatment for all variable and fixed costs to determine the return to specified expenses and the cost of gain for each treatment. Income and expenses were divided between the farmer and the owner of the cattle. Land rent of $5 per acre was charged to the farmer because land values in the Southeast are greatly affected by urbanization. Interest on capital investment, as well as taxes and insurance, for land would not accurately reflect true land costs to a cattle enterprise. Fixed costs of fencing, buildings, feed and water troughs, machinery and equipment assumed a 00-head capacity. Feed storage and mixing facilities, a skid-steer loader, and a mixer-feeder wagon were budgeted for the DRYLOT treatment but not for the RG and RG treatments by assuming feed to be mixed when delivered. A 90-horsepower tractor and associated tillage equipment were budgeted for the pasture treatments but not for the DRYLOT treatment. Other assumptions for budget calculations are shown in Table 6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The TMRs used in this study proved their feasibility by the resulting excellent animal weight gains, both on and off ryegrass pasture, at satisfactory costs. There were no digestive problems in transition from ryegrass pasture to the TMR or the reverse. Treatments were not statistically different (P=0.4) for ADG, indicating that these TMRs are comparable to ryegrass pasture for growing beef cattle in south Mississippi. The ADG was.5 pounds for year,.9 pounds for year, and.9 pounds for year (mean of treatments in Table ). These gains are respectable considering that purchase and sale weights were used in calculations. In year, cattle were of better quality (more No. steers with more Angus genetics) than in subsequent years due to source. If cattle had been of equal quality each year, the lighter cattle of years and (00 and 8 pounds lighter, respectively) would have performed better (NRC, 996). Table. Steer performance summary for drylot and ryegrass pasture treatments. Item Units DRYLOT RG RG SE P Values 00-004 Steers head 8 4 8 Grain feeding days 45 0 49 Purchase weight lb 499 496 49 7.5 0.95 Sale weight lb 96 955 94 0.65 0.7 Gain lb 46 459 448 7.6 0.69 ADG lb.0.6.09 0.05 0.68 004-005 Steers head Grain feeding days 4 67 89 Purchase weight lb 94 95 94 4.04.00 Sale weight lb 86 80 8 8.64 0.66 Gain lb 4 408 48 7.88 0.60 ADG lb.97.87.95 0.06 0.60 005-006 4 Steers head 0 8 Grain feeding days 97 Purchase weight lb 44 4 40 4.65 0.6 Sale weight lb 699 70 696 8.90 0.97 Gain lb 85 90 76 8.0 0.7 ADG lb.94.99.84 0.08 0.7 DRYLOT received only a total mixed ration (TMR), RG stocked at 600 pounds per acre on ryegrass pasture, RG stocked at 900 pounds per acre on ryegrass pasture. TMR fed to RG and RG as needed. Probability of effects due to treatment. Severe blast disease was experienced in the 004-005 season. 4 Severe drought was experienced in the 005-006 season. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

Table. Total mixed ration (TMR) and ryegrass pasture analyses. Item Units TMR Ryegrass 00-004 004-005 005-006 005-006 CP % 4.00.0 0.40 5.40 NDF % 48.50 7.0 4.0 4.70 Fat %.00 5.80 4.50.70 ME Mcal/kg.55.64.66.55 NEm Mcal/kg.65.7.74.65 NEg Mcal/kg.04...04 Ca % 0.50 0.56 0.95 0.75 P % 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.9 Mg % 0.6 0.44 0.4 0.4 K %..4.4.70 Dry matter basis. Ration used midway (75 days) through feeding period. CP = crude protein, NDF = neutral detergent fiber, ME = metabolizable energy, NEm = net energy for maintenance, NEg = net energy for gain, Ca = calcium, P = phosphorus, K = potassium. Table. Feed costs for drylot and ryegrass pasture treatments. Item Units Unit cost DRYLOT RG RG 00-004 4 Ryegrass pasture acre $4.0 $. $94.87 $66.80 Bovatec 68 lb $5.9 $.46 $0.95 Mineral Mix ton $4.0 $6.8 $.45 $5.88 Corn ton $.57 $45.8 $5.74 Whole cottonseed ton Soybean hulls ton $09.6 $78.5 $8.04 Gluten feed ton $4.75 $44.6 $6.9 Hay ton $60.00 $6.5 $.08 Total $96.08 $98. $6.4 004-005 5 Ryegrass pasture acre $48.5 $97.79 $65.9 Bovatec 68 lb $5.9 $.4 $0.6 $0.4 Mineral Mix ton $574.00 $9.78 $7. $6.77 Corn ton $0.60 $7.60 $.5 $.5 Whole cottonseed ton $8. $9.4 $4.9 $.65 Soybean hulls ton $07.00 $4.09 $.5 $6.50 Gluten feed ton $7.00 $80.5 $.5 $8.6 Hay ton $60.00 $5. $. $.9 Total $7. $49.60 $5. 005-006 6 Ryegrass pasture acre $0.77 $68.5 $45.4 Bovatec 68 lb $5.9 $.54 $0. $0. Mineral Mix ton $94.00 $5.84 $4.50 $4.50 Corn ton Whole cottonseed ton $4.00 $5.7 $.07 $.07 Soybean hulls ton $0.75 $.84 $. $. Gluten feed ton $.5 $5.7 $0.0 $0.0 Hay ton $60.00 $.44 $0.70 $0.70 Total $98.64 $87.8 $65.0 DRYLOT received only a total mixed ration (TMR), RG stocked at 600 pounds per acre on ryegrass pasture, RG stocked at 900 pounds per acre on ryegrass pasture. TMR fed to RG and RG as needed. Fixed machinery costs included in pasture costs. Free choice mineral included in pasture treatments. 4 Preconditioning for days on ryegrass pasture in the 00-004 season. No preconditioning in subsequent years. 5 Severe blast disease was experienced in the 004-005 season. 6 Severe drought was experienced in the 005-006 season. 4 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Linear programming for least-cost rations proved an effective tool for reformulating TMR diets by reducing feed costs when ingredient prices changed. At the same time, animal ADG was maintained, thus lowering the cost of gain. The TMR used exclusively in the DRY- LOT treatment and as a supplement in treatments RG and RG had a range of crude protein (CP) from 4% to.% (Table ). However, when using the byproduct feeds and prices at the time of formulation, the CP content of ingredients was not important in formulating least-cost diets compared with other feed quality indicators. Protein digestibility as measured by DIP was important. Of most importance to least-cost diet formulation as well as to and least cost of animal gain was adequate neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to maintain rumen ph and maximum energy for maximum gain. Fat content was limited to 6% when feeding whole cottonseed. The TMR was not needed in year (00-004) to supplement the animals in treatment RG because pasture growth was adequate throughout the season. The energy in the TMR was similar to that of ryegrass pasture (Table ), which likely explains the lack of animal performance differences between treatments. As feed prices changed, corn was fed in years and but not in year. Whole cottonseed was fed in years and and not in year. Soybean hull prices ranged from $07 to $0.75 per ton, and corn gluten feed ranged from $7 to $4.75 per ton emphasizing the importance of new least-cost TMR calculations each time feeds were purchased (Table ). Cost of the TMR ranged from $0.6 to $8. per ton in year, from $.65 to $7.48 per ton in year, and from $9.65 to $6.0 per ton in year (not shown in tables). Since animal gains were not affected, the cost of gain was minimized with the use of least-cost ration reformulation as ingredient prices changed. A constant average of $7.40 per ton was used for budget calculations. Pasture costs increased each year primarily due to increasing fertilizer prices. If the same amount of fertilizer had been applied each year as was intended (no drought, etc.), pasture costs would have been $7.8 per acre for year, $8. for year, and $9.7 for year. At planting time in the 008-009 season (not part of this study), pasture cost was more than $50. As fertilizer prices continue to increase, byproduct feeds and higher stocking rates become more attractive. Table 4. Steer economic summary for drylot and ryegrass pasture treatments. Item Units DRYLOT RG RG 00-004 Direct cost of gain $/cwt $5.96 $4.74 $4. Total cost of gain $/cwt $57.69 $44.8 $45.46 Farmer payment for gain $/cwt $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 Farmer payment for medications $/head $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 Return to farmer $/head -$86.45 $4.9 -$8.95 Return to owner $/head $4.58 $4.58 $4.58 004-005 Direct cost of gain $/cwt $7.9 $46.58 $6.8 Total cost of gain $/cwt $4.9 $50. $40.0 Farmer payment for gain $/cwt $8.00 $8.00 $8.00 Farmer payment for medications $/head $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Return to farmer $/head -$5.59 -$44.9 -$5.7 Return to owner $/head $.05 $.05 $.05 005-006 4 Direct cost of gain $/cwt $47.0 $45.8 $6. Total cost of gain $/cwt $5.4 $5.0 $4.8 Farmer payment for gain $/cwt $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 Farmer payment for medications $/head $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Return to farmer $/head -$7.5 -$.0 -$.6 Return to owner $/head -$6.4 -$6.4 -$6.4 From Tables 7A through 5C. DRYLOT received only a total mixed ration (TMR), RG stocked at 600 pounds per acre on ryegrass pasture, RG stocked at 900 pounds per acre on ryegrass pasture. TMR fed to RG and RG as needed. Death loss, of 60 in the 00-004 season charged to owner. Death loss, of 65 in the 004-005 season charged to owner. 4 Death loss, of 70 in the 005-006 season charged to owner. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station 5

Table 5. Break-even cost of gain for drylot and ryegrass pasture treatments. Item Units DRYLOT RG RG 00-004 Total farmer expenses $/hd 7.40 80.0.90 Owner + farmer expenses $/hd 04.50.67 46.55 Gain cwt/head 4.57 4.57 4.57 Breakeven to farmer $/cwt 59.9 9.9 46.8 Breakeven to owner/farmer $/cwt 66.6 46.54 5.95 004-005 Total farmer expenses $/hd 8.9.5 7.60 Owner + farmer expenses $/hd.55 40.89 0. Gain cwt/head 4.4 4.4 4.4 Breakeven to farmer $/cwt 44.8 5.7 4.69 Breakeven to owner/farmer $/cwt 5.0 58.9 48.6 005-006 4 Total farmer expenses $/hd 5.04 45.79 7.04 Owner + farmer expenses $/hd 79.74 74.49 45.75 Gain cwt/head.84.84.84 Breakeven to farmer $/cwt 5.8 5. 4. Breakeven to owner/farmer $/cwt 6.9 6.44 5. From Tables 7A through 5C. DRYLOT received only a total mixed ration (TMR), RG stocked at 600 pounds per acre on ryegrass pasture, RG stocked at 900 pounds per acre on ryegrass pasture. TMR fed to RG and RG as needed. Death loss, of 60 in the 00-004 season. Death loss, of 65 in the 004-005 season. 4 Death loss, of 70 in the 005-006 season. The TMR used in this study was not as profitable as ryegrass pasture for growing beef cattle in south Mississippi. However, treatment differences in total cost of gain (COG) were minimal. With variable and fixed costs included, COG was $50.9 per hundredweight for DRYLOT, $48.8 for RG, and $4.8 for RG (P=0.5, not shown in tables). From Table 4, it is apparent, under the conditions of this study, that farmers are not paid enough on weight gain contracts to recover their costs. It is also apparent that owners are exposed to considerable price risk. Table 5 shows what farmers should have received in contract payments to break even under the conditions of this study. Farmers often own the cattle themselves. The total break-even COG in Table 5 will help farmers decide how much price risk they are willing to accept as they strive to cover all costs (land, labor, management, and operating costs). Because there were no treatment differences in ADG, the total income for all treatments within each year was the same (Tables 7A, 8A, 5A). Therefore, the least expensive alternative was also the one that resulted in the least COG. If treatment ADGs had been different, this would not necessarily have been the case. In 00-004, RG would have been the best alternative, while RG was best for the following years. A farmer may not want to include costs for land, labor, and/or management when calculating break-even COG. Individual treatment/year break-even analyses in Tables 7C, 8C, 5C remove land, labor, and management costs so farmers can decide whether to raise stockers on contract or own the cattle themselves. Table 6. Assumptions used in enterprise budgeting. Item Unit Amount Prorated Labor hour $0.00 NA Management head $0.00 NA Land rent acre $5.00 not prorated Interest on animal purchase annual 8.6% 5 months Interest on operating capital annual 6.0% 7 months Interest on capital investment, annual 4.0% 7 months Taxes and insurance, annual.0% 7 months Depreciation of fencing, buildings, and equipment annual calculated 7 months Interest on capital investment, taxes and insurance was calculated for fencing, buildings, and equipment. Land is not included. Assumes a 00-head capacity. 6 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Table 7A. DRYLOT treatment, 00-004 season, received TMR after days preconditioning on ryegrass pasture income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 84.00 9.5 800.5 800.5 Gain payment Cwt 5.00 4.57 59.95 Per head payment Head 5.00.00 5.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 800.5 800.5 74.95 DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 8.8 4.57 74.95 Feeder calf purchase Cwt 09. 4.96 54.68 54.68 Pasture (Table 6) Acre 7.5 0.09 0.77 0.77 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6 0.00 0.00 0.00 Grower feed Cwt 5.87.5 84.95 84.95 Hay Ton 50.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.68.00 0.68 0.68 Vaccines Head 4.8.00 4.8 4.8 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 7.9 0.58 4.0 4.0 Feeding fuel & repair Hours.6 0.05 0. 0. Rent Acre 5.00 0.09.0.0 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.6 6.7 6.7 Death loss Dol. 54.68.67% 9.0 8.95 0.08 Marketing Dol. 800.5.00% 6.0 6.0 Interest on calf Dol. 54.68.58% 9.4 9.4 Interest on operating capital Dol. 7.9.50% 8. 8. Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 84.7 76.00 56. Direct cost of gain $/cwt 65.80 47.99 56.09 FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year 90.8.% 6.79 6.79 Insurance & taxes Year 90.8.00%.9.9 Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre.5 0.05 0.9 0.9 Pasture planting equipment Acre 6.77 0.05 0.6 0.6 Feeding equipment Hours.50 0.05 0. 0. Buildings & improvements Year.6 0.58 6.79 6.79 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 7.6 0.00 7.6 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 859.5 76.00 7.47 Total cost of gain $/cwt 69.55 47.99 59.84 RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -59.0 9.5-98.5 Table 7B. DRYLOT treatment, 00-004 season, received TMR after days preconditioning on ryegrass pasture economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 800.5 800.5 74.95 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 84.7 76.00 56. TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 7.6 0.00 7.6 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 859.5 76.00 7.47 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 7.85 9. 7.47 From previous table. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station 7

Table 7C. DRYLOT treatment, 00-004 season, received TMR after days preconditioning on ryegrass pasture economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -59.0 9.5-98.5 69.55 59.84 RETURN TO LAND -56.7-56.7 69.05 59.4 RETURN TO LABOR -4.84-4.84 66.0 56.0 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT -49.0-49.0 67.6 57.65 RETURN TO CAPITAL -4.49 58.9-8.4 6.00 56.5 RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT -9.85-9.85 6.8 54. RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT -48.56-48.56 6. 5.6 RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL -8.0 58.9-40. 6.49 56.0 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT -0. 58.9-89. 59. 5.84 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management, and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management, and capital. Table 8A. RG treatment, 00-004 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 84.00 9.5 800.5 800.5 Gain payment Cwt 5.00 4.57 59.95 Per head payment Head 5.00.00 5.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 800.5 800.5 74.95 DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 8.8 4.57 74.95 Feeder calf purchase Cwt 09. 4.96 54.68 54.68 Pasture (Table 6) Acre 0.8 0.8 9.6 9.6 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6 0.00 0.00 0.00 Grower feed Cwt 5.87 0.00 0.00 0.00 Hay Ton 50.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.5.45.45 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.68.00 0.68 0.68 Vaccines Head 4.8.00 4.8 4.8 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 8.64 0.58 5.04 5.04 Feeding fuel & repair Hours.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 Rent Acre 5.00 0.8 0.67 0.67 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Death loss Dol. 54.68.67% 9.0 8.95 0.08 Marketing Dol. 800.5.00% 6.0 6.0 Interest on calf Dol. 54.68.58% 9.4 9.4 Interest on operating capital Dol. 60.0.50% 5.6 5.6 Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 76.9 76.00 75.88 Direct cost of gain $/cwt 48.9 47.99 8.49 FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year 40.69.% 5.6 5.6 Insurance & taxes Year 40.69.00%.4.4 Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre.98 0.48 0.96 0.96 Pasture planting equipment Acre 6.77 0.48.6.6 Feeding equipment Hours 0.8 0.00 0.00 0.00 Buildings & improvements Year 6.6 0.58.87.87 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 6. 0.00 6. TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 778.05 76.00 9.99 Total cost of gain $/cwt 5.7 47.99 4.0 RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES.47 9.5-7.04 8 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Table 8B. RG treatment, 00-004 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 800.5 800.5 74.95 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 76.9 76.00 75.88 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 6. 0.00 6. TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 778.05 76.00 9.99 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 6.6 9. 9.99 From previous table. Table 8C. RG treatment, 00-004 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES.47 9.5-7.04 5.7 4.0 RETURN TO LAND 4.4 4.4 47.0 7.49 RETURN TO LABOR 4.48 4.48 47.4 7.6 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT.47.47 49.5 9.8 RETURN TO CAPITAL 5. 58.9-5.8 45.0 9.56 RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT 74.95 74.95 45.6 5.45 RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT 8.09 8.09 40.6 0.9 RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL 96.5 58.9 7. 40.50 5.0 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT 8.7 58.9 69.80 8..85 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management and capital. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station 9

Table 9A. RG treatment, 00-004 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 84.00 9.5 800.5 800.5 Gain payment Cwt 5.00 4.57 59.95 Per head payment Head 5.00.00 5.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 800.5 800.5 74.95 DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 8.8 4.57 74.95 Feeder calf purchase Cwt 09. 4.96 54.68 54.68 Pasture (Table 6) Acre 7.5 0.55 64.6 64.6 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6 0.00 0.00 0.00 Grower feed Cwt 5.87.86 69.6 69.6 Hay Ton 50.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.5.45.45 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.68.00 0.68 0.68 Vaccines Head 4.8.00 4.8 4.8 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 8.7 0.58 4.88 4.88 Feeding fuel & repair Hours.06 0.0 0.0 0.0 Rent Acre 5.00 0.55.78.78 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.86 8.57 8.57 Death loss Dol. 54.68.67% 9.0 8.95 0.08 Marketing Dol. 800.5.00% 6.0 6.0 Interest on calf Dol. 54.68.58% 9.4 9.4 Interest on operating capital Dol. 94.5.50% 6.80 6.80 Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 797.8 76.00. Direct cost of gain $/cwt 55.9 47.99 46. FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year 0.0.% 5.7 5.7 Insurance & taxes Year 0.0.00%.0.0 Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre.49 0. 0.80 0.80 Pasture planting equipment Acre 6.77 0..8.8 Feeding equipment Hours 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 Buildings and improvements Year 6.6 0.58.87.87 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 4.5 0.00 4.5 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 8.8 76.00 5.75 Total cost of gain $/cwt 59. 47.99 49.40 RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -.9 9.5-50.80 Table 9B. RG treatment, 00-004 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 800.5 800.5 74.95 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 797.8 76.00. TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 4.5 0.00 4.5 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 8.8 76.00 5.75 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 70. 9. 5.75 From previous table. 0 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Table 9C. RG treatment, 00-004 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -.9 9.5-50.80 59. 49.40 RETURN TO LAND.49.49 56.09 46.8 RETURN TO LABOR 7.8 7.8 55.05 45.4 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT -.9 -.9 56.9 47. RETURN TO CAPITAL 0.9 58.9-8.6 5.0 46.74 RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT 5.99 5.99 5.86 4.5 RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT 8.48 8.48 49.84 40. RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL.78 58.9-6.5 49.8 4.7 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT.49 58.9-7.4 47.00 4.5 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management, and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management, and capital. Table 0A. DRYLOT treatment, 004-005 season, received only TMR income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 04.5 8.08 84.4 84.4 Gain payment Cwt 8.00 4.4 57. Per head payment Head 0.00.00 0.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 84.4 84.4 57. DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 8.00 4.4 57. Feeder calf purchase Cwt 6.00.94 496.44 496.44 Pasture (Table 7) Acre 44. 0.07 0.5 0.5 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6 0.00 0.00 0.00 Grower feed Cwt 5.87.66 7. 7. Hay Ton 50.00 0.0.00.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Vaccines Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 7.6 0.58 4.8 4.8 Feeding fuel & repair Hours.5 0.04 0. 0. Rent Acre 5.00 0.07.8.8 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.58 5.77 5.77 Death loss Dol. 496.44.54% 7.64 7.57 0.06 Marketing Dol. 84.4.00% 6.85 6.85 Interest on calf Dol. 496.44.58% 7.79 7.79 Interest on operating capital Dol. 64.45.50% 5.76 5.76 Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 78.9 695.97 80.7 Direct cost of gain $/cwt 5.74 48.0 4.54 FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year 89.6.% 6.76 6.76 Insurance & taxes Year 89.6.00%.90.90 Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre 4.0 0.04 0.7 0.7 Pasture planting equipment Acre 7.88 0.04 0.4 0.4 Feeding equipment Hours.50 0.04 0.09 0.09 Buildings & improvements Year.6 0.58 6.79 6.79 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 7.0 0.00 7.0 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 75.95 695.97 97.0 Total cost of gain $/cwt 57.85 48.0 47.66 RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES 06.9 46.7-9.98 Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

Table 0B. DRYLOT treatment, 004-005 season, received only TMR economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 84.4 84.4 57. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 78.9 695.97 80.7 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 7.0 0.00 7.0 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 75.95 695.97 97.0 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 9.5 99.5 97.0 From previous table. Table 0C. DRYLOT treatment, 004-005 season, received only TMR economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES 06.9 46.7-9.98 57.85 47.66 RETURN TO LAND 08. 08. 57.4 47. RETURN TO LABOR.6.6 54.04 4.85 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT 6.9 6.9 55.44 45.4 RETURN TO CAPITAL 6.69 64.6-7.47 50.5 44.6 RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT 8.55 8.55 5.6 4.4 RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT 46.77 46.77 5.9 40.99 RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL 44.9 64.6 80.75 50.09 44.9 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT 6.0 64.6 97.4 47.68 4.78 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management, and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management, and capital. What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Table A. RG treatment, 004-005 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 04.5 8.08 84.4 84.4 Gain payment Cwt 8.00 4.4 57. Per head payment Head 0.00.00 0.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 84.4 84.4 57. DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 8.00 4.4 57. Feeder calf purchase Cwt 6.00.94 496.44 496.44 Pasture (Table 7) Acre 44. 0.66 94.77 94.77 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6 0.00 0.00 0.00 Grower feed Cwt 5.87 8.8 5.8 5.8 Hay Ton 50.00 0.0.00.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.5.45.45 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Vaccines Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 8.66 0.58 5.05 5.05 Feeding fuel & repair Hours.75 0.0 0.0 0.0 Rent Acre 5.00 0.66 6.4 6.4 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.90 9.0 9.0 Death loss Dol. 496.44.54% 7.64 7.57 0.06 Marketing Dol. 84.4.00% 6.85 6.85 Interest on calf Dol. 496.44.58% 7.79 7.79 Interest on operating capital Dol. 95.45.50% 6.84 6.84 Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 75.0 695.97.6 Direct cost of gain $/cwt 6.49 48.0 5.9 FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year 4.70.% 5.69 5.69 Insurance & taxes Year 4.70.00%.44.44 Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre.6 0.8 0.86 0.86 Pasture planting equipment Acre 7.88 0.8.0.0 Feeding equipment Hours 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 Buildings & improvements Year 6.6 0.58.87.87 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 5.89 0.00 5.89 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 766.89 695.97 8.4 Total cost of gain $/cwt 65. 48.0 55. RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES 75.45 46.7-70.9 Table B. RG treatment, 004-005 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 84.4 84.4 57. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 75.0 695.97.6 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 5.89 0.00 5.89 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 766.89 695.97 8.4 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 70.45 99.5 8.4 From previous table. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

Table C. RG treatment, 004-005 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES 75.45 46.7-70.9 65. 55. RETURN TO LAND 9.86 9.86 6.6 5.7 RETURN TO LABOR 94.46 94.46 60.7 50.54 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT 85.45 85.45 6.9 5.7 RETURN TO CAPITAL 05.76 64.6-58.40 58.00 5. RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT 79.9 79.9 58. 48. RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT 7.78 7.78 54.5 44.6 RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL 97.6 64.6.47 54.04 48.4 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT 8.08 64.6 8.9 5.6 45.7 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management, and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management, and capital. Table A. RG treatment, 004-005 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 04.5 8.08 84.4 84.4 Gain payment Cwt 8.00 4.4 57. Per head payment Head 0.00.00 0.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 84.4 84.4 57. DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 8.00 4.4 57. Feeder calf purchase Cwt 6.00.94 496.44 496.44 Pasture (Table 7) Acre 44. 0.44 6.8 6.8 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6 0.00 0.00 0.00 Grower feed Cwt 5.87 8.5 50.04 50.04 Hay Ton 50.00 0.0.00.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.5.45.45 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Vaccines Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 8.4 0.58 4.9 4.9 Feeding fuel & repair Hours.75 0.0 0.0 0.0 Rent Acre 5.00 0.44 0.94 0.94 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.77 7.7 7.7 Death loss Dol. 496.44.54% 7.64 7.57 0.06 Marketing Dol. 84.4.00% 6.85 6.85 Interest on calf Dol. 496.44.58% 7.79 7.79 Interest on operating capital Dol. 55.8.50% 5.4 5.4 Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 709. 695.97 70.67 Direct cost of gain $/cwt 5.4 48.0 4. FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year 4.0.% 5.46 5.46 Insurance & taxes Year 4.0.00%.4.4 Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre.84 0.6 0.7 0.7 Pasture planting equipment Acre 7.88 0.6.0.0 Feeding equipment Hours 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 Buildings & improvements Year 6.6 0.58.87.87 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 4.4 0.00 4.4 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 7.75 695.97 85.0 Total cost of gain $/cwt 54.9 48.0 44.7 RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES 8.59 46.7-7.78 4 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Table B. RG treatment, 004-005 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 84.4 84.4 57. TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 709. 695.97 70.67 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 4.4 0.00 4.4 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 7.75 695.97 85.0 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 7. 99.5 85.0 From previous table. Table C. RG treatment, 004-005 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES 8.59 46.7-7.78 54.9 44.7 RETURN TO LAND 9.54 9.54 5.6 4.07 RETURN TO LABOR 6. 6. 50.6 40.4 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT 8.59 8.59 5.49 4.9 RETURN TO CAPITAL 47.8 64.6-6.88 47.98 4.08 RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT 64.90 64.90 48. 8.0 RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT 94.4 94.4 45.57 5.7 RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL 76.8 64.6.65 45. 9.4 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT 405.40 64.6 4.4 4.9 7.0 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management, and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management, and capital. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station 5

Table A. DRYLOT treatment, 005-006 season, received only TMR income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 9.4 6.99 68.47 68.47 Gain payment Cwt 40.00.84.60 Per head payment Head 0.00.00 0.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 68.47 68.47.60 DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 40.00.84.60 Feeder calf purchase Cwt 47.00 4.5 60.05 60.05 Pasture(Table 8) Acre 4.4 0.00 0.00 0.00 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6.7.7.7 Grower feed Cwt 5.87 6.80 98.64 98.64 Hay Ton 50.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Vaccines Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 5.56 0.58.5.5 Feeding fuel & repair Hours 6.74 0.0 0.8 0.8 Rent Acre 5.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.4.8.8 Death loss Dol. 60.05.4% 8.7 8.67 0.04 Marketing Dol. 68.47.00%.77.77 Interest on calf Dol. 60.05.58%.86.86 Interest on operating capital Dol..7.50% 4.65 4.65 Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 800.77 766.95 47.4 Direct cost of gain $/cwt 67.6 55.5 5.9 FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year.6.% 5.40 5.40 Insurance & taxes Year.6.00%.. Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre 8.99 0.04 0.5 0.5 Pasture planting equipment Acre 7.78 0.00 0.00 0.00 Feeding equipment Hours.08 0.0 0.06 0.06 Buildings & improvements Year.6 0.58 6.79 6.79 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 4.9 0.00 4.9 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 85.69 766.95 6. Total cost of gain $/cwt 7.4 55.5 57.6 RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -77. -8.49-48.7 Table B. DRYLOT treatment, 005-006 season, received only TMR economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 68.47 68.47.60 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 800.77 766.95 47.4 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 4.9 0.00 4.9 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 85.69 766.95 6. TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 05.64 56.90 6. From previous table. 6 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Table C. DRYLOT treatment, 005-006 season, received only TMR economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -77. -8.49-48.7 7.4 57.6 RETURN TO LAND -77. -77. 7.4 57.6 RETURN TO LABOR -6.8-6.8 67.69 5.45 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT -67. -67. 68.89 5.64 RETURN TO CAPITAL -45. -06.6-8.68 6.7 5.6 RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT -.05 -.05 64.7 48.9 RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT -508.7-508.7 64.7 48.9 RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL -.5-06.6-5.90 6.7 5.6 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT -489.75-06.6-8. 57.65 50.0 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management, and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management, and capital. Table 4A. RG treatment, 005-006 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 9.4 6.99 68.47 68.47 Gain payment Cwt 40.00.84.60 Per head payment Head 0.00.00 0.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 68.47 68.47.60 DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 40.00.84.60 Feeder calf purchase Cwt 47.00 4.5 60.05 60.05 Pasture (Table 8) Acre 9.99 0.69 65.0 65.0 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6.7.7.7 Grower feed Cwt 5.87.76 6. 6. Hay Ton 50.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.5.45.45 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Vaccines Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 6.5 0.58.8.8 Feeding fuel & repair Hours 6.74 0.00 0.0 0.0 Rent Acre 5.00 0.69 7.9 7.9 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.7 7.5 7.5 Death loss Dol. 60.05.4% 8.7 8.67 0.04 Marketing Dol. 68.47.00%.77.77 Interest on calf Dol. 60.05.58%.86.86 Interest on operating capital Dol. 40.4.50% 4.9 4.9 Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 808.65 766.95 55.9 Direct cost of gain $/cwt 69.9 55.5 54.68 FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year 69.6.% 6.9 6.9 Insurance & taxes Year 69.6.00%.70.70 Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre.9 0.40 0.88 0.88 Pasture planting equipment Acre 7.78 0.40.4.4 Feeding equipment Hours.08 0.00 0.0 0.0 Buildings & improvements Year.6 0.58 6.79 6.79 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 9.8 0.00 9.8 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 88.45 766.95 75.0 Total cost of gain $/cwt 76.90 55.5 6.66 RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -89.99-8.49-6.50 Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station 7

Table 4B. RG treatment, 005-006 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 68.47 68.47.60 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 808.65 766.95 55.9 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 9.8 0.00 9.8 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 88.45 766.95 75.0 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 8.40 56.90 75.0 From previous table. Table 4C. RG treatment, 005-006 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 600 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -89.99-8.49-6.50 76.90 6.66 RETURN TO LAND -7.70-7.70 70.8 55.57 RETURN TO LABOR -7.74-7.74 70.8 55.58 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT -79.99-79.99 7.8 58. RETURN TO CAPITAL -56.9-06.6-50.0 65.6 57.7 RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT -5.7-5.7 67. 5.06 RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT -55.4-55.4 6. 45.97 RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL -9.6-06.6 -.99 59.7 5.6 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT -509.6-06.6-40.98 55.65 48.0 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management, and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management, and capital. 8 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Table 5A. RG treatment, 005-006 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre income, expenses, and returns for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL OWNER FARMER INCOME Feeder calf sale (w/shrink) Cwt 9.4 6.99 68.47 68.47 Gain payment Cwt 40.00.84.60 Per head payment Head 0.00.00 0.00 Excess death loss payment over % 0.00 Total income $/head 68.47 68.47.60 DIRECT EXPENSES Contract grazing Cwt 40.00.84.60 Feeder calf purchase Cwt 47.00 4.5 60.05 60.05 Pasture (Table 8) Acre 9.99 0.46 4.4 4.4 Preconditioning feed Cwt 6.6.7.7.7 Grower feed Cwt 5.87.76 6. 6. Hay Ton 50.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Salt and minerals Cwt.00 0.5.45.45 Implants Head 0.9.00 0.9 0.9 Dewormers Head.99.00.99.99 Antibiotics Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Vaccines Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fly control Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 Fences, feeders, building repair Year 6.9 0.58.67.67 Feeding fuel & repair Hours 6.74 0.00 0.0 0.0 Rent Acre 5.00 0.46.5.5 Labor (pasture & cattle) Hours 0.00.59 5.89 5.89 Death loss Dol. 60.05.4% 8.7 8.67 0.04 Marketing Dol. 68.47.00%.77.77 Interest on calf Dol. 60.05.58%.86.86 Interest on operating capital Dol..40.50%.90.90 Management charge Head 0.00.00 0.00 0.00 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 778.70 766.95 5.4 Direct cost of gain $/cwt 59.8 55.5 44. FIXED EXPENSES (Assumes 00-head capacity for 7 months) Interest on investment Year 59.87.% 6.06 6.06 Insurance & taxes Year 59.87.00%.60.60 Depreciation (prorated for 7 months) Fencing Acre.76 0.7 0.74 0.74 Pasture planting equipment Acre 7.78 0.7.09.09 Feeding equipment Hours.08 0.00 0.0 0.0 Buildings & improvements Year.6 0.58 6.79 6.79 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 8.9 0.00 8.9 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 796.99 766.95 4.6 Total cost of gain $/cwt 65.8 55.5 50.58 RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -58.5-8.49-0.0 Table 5B. RG treatment, 005-006 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER TOTAL INCOME 68.47 68.47.60 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 778.70 766.95 5.4 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 8.9 0.00 8.9 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 796.99 766.95 4.6 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES MINUS ANIMAL PURCHASE 86.94 56.90 4.6 From previous table. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station 9

Table 5C. RG treatment, 005-006 season, ryegrass pasture stocked at 900 pounds per acre economic summary for owner of stocker steers and farmer. Item TOTAL OWNER FARMER BREAK-EVEN COST OF GAIN TOTAL FARMER $/cwt $/cwt RETURN TO SPECIFIED EXPENSES -58.5-8.49-0.0 65.8 50.58 RETURN TO LAND -46.99-46.99 6.76 46.5 RETURN TO LABOR -4.64-4.64 60. 44.98 RETURN TO MANAGEMENT -48.5-48.5 6.0 47.05 RETURN TO CAPITAL -6.70-06.6-0.07 54.6 47.07 RETURN TO LABOR & MANAGEMENT -9.6-9.6 56.7 4.46 RETURN TO LAND, LABOR & MANAGEMENT -48.5-48.5 5.65 7.40 RETURN TO LAND & CAPITAL -7.69-06.6-67.06 50.56 4.0 RETURN TO LAND, CAPITAL & MANAGEMENT -4. -06.6-5.59 47.04 9.49 From previous two tables. Break-even cost of gain when specified land, labor, management, and capital NOT included in expenses. Expenses include land, labor, management, and capital. Table 6. Pasture budget for the 00-004 season. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL $/acre DIRECT EXPENSES Fertilizer Lime DL ton 6.00 0. 8.58 Liquid N (%) cwt 6.50..85 Am Nitrate (4% N) cwt.85 4.00 5.40 DAP (8-46-0) cwt.05 0.65 7.8 Am Sulf (-0-0-4) cwt 9.75.00 9.75 Potash (60% K O) cwt 9.5 0.50 4.68 Seed Jackson ryegrass lb 0.5 5.00 8.85 Herbicide,4D pt.7.00.4 Custom spraying acre.5.00.5 Diesel fuel Tractors gal 0.97..4 Repair & maintenance Implements acre.47.00.47 Tractors acre.0.00.0 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 7.5 FIXED EXPENSES Implements acre.7.00.7 Tractors acre.40.00.40 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 6.77 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 4.0 Ammonium nitrate applied at the rate of.5 and 4 hundredweight per acre for treatments RG and RG, respectively. Pasture in RG had adequate growth to meet animal requirements without the extra nitrogen fertilizer. 0 What Is the Cost of Gain for Stocker Cattle on Ryegrass Pasture?

Table 7. Pasture budget for the 004-005 season. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL $/acre DIRECT EXPENSES Fertilizer Lime DL ton 4.57 0..4 Liquid N (%) cwt.75. 5.0 Am Nitrate (4% N) cwt.75 4.00 55.00 DAP (8-46-0) cwt 4.85 0.65 9.65 Am Sulf (-0-0-4) cwt 0.75.00 0.75 Potash (60% K O) cwt.55 0.50 6.8 Seed Jackson ryegrass lb 0.5 5.00 8.85 Herbicide,4D pt.7.00.4 Custom spraying acre 5.50.00 5.50 Diesel fuel Tractors gal.69..7 Repair & maintenance Implements acre.9.00.9 Tractors acre.4.00.4 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 44. FIXED EXPENSES Implements acre.95.00.95 Tractors acre.9.00.9 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 7.88 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 48.5 Table 8. Pasture budget for the 005-006 season. Item Unit $/unit No. units TOTAL $/acre DIRECT EXPENSES Fertilizer Lime DL ton 6.50 0..05 Liquid N (%) cwt.00 0.00 0.00 Am Nitrate (4% N) cwt.75.00 7.50 DAP (8-46-0) cwt 4.85 0.65 9.65 Am Sulf (-0-0-4) cwt.5.00.5 Potash (60% K O) cwt.55 0.50 6.8 Seed Jackson ryegrass lb 0.5 5.00 8.85 Herbicide,4D pt.7.00.4 Custom spraying acre 5.50.00 5.50 Diesel fuel Tractors gal.50. 5.5 Repair & maintenance Implements acre.54.00.54 Tractors acre.4.00.4 TOTAL DIRECT EXPENSES 9.99 FIXED EXPENSES Implements acre.5.00.5 Tractors acre 4.5.00 4.5 TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES 7.78 TOTAL SPECIFIED EXPENSES 0.77 Ammonium nitrate applied at the rate of hundredweight per acre due to severe fall and winter drought that limited the number of grazing days. Pasture had adequate growth to meet animal requirements in the spring once it started growing. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station