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C. G. Prevatt, 017 UF Beef Cattle Economics Webinar Series, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 95, Issue suppl_1, December 2016, Page 09, https://doi.org/10.2527/ssasas2017.017
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Abstract
Beef cattle producers in the U.S. saw record feeder calf prices and profits during 2013, 2014, and 2015 that changed the dynamics of the cow-calf industry. In addition, the U.S. cattle industry entered into an expansion phase of the cattle business cycle as of January 1, 2015. To meet the needs of today's cattle and forage producers a series of webinars were developed to inform producers of the challenging agricultural environment by providing timely production and economic information to help them operate in the volatile marketplace. The five webinars presented were Beef Cattle Market Outlook, Marketing Opportunities for Feeder Calves, UF/IFAS Beef Cow-Calf Budget, Projecting Cow-Calf Profitability, and Replacement Heifer Economics. These presentations were designed to help producers increase herd production, performance, and profitability by exposing some of the potential risks in the cattle market and presenting possible profit opportunities for the years ahead. A total of 117 cattle and forage producers from across the Southeast USA were registered for the event, and a total of 183 participants attended the series. Participants included both large producers (500+ cows) and small producers (less than 100 cows). Participants completed an evaluation survey of the series: 86% found the information received to be excellent or good, 93% said it was useful or very useful, 74% had knowledge greatly improved, 85% will definitely make changes to management as a result, and 77% will use recommended decision-aid tools. The value of the program information was estimated at $10 to $75 per head, averaging $41.10 per head. Based upon the distribution of herd sizes for participants the economic return of the program was estimated at over $190,000.
