Valuing Feedyard Management Education, Experience, and Expertise

Authors

Rik R. Smith, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Darrell R. Mark, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2006

Comments

Published in 2006 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

This study uses a mail survey to determine the value Nebraska feedyard operators place on education, experience, and area of expertise in new assistant manager hires. Using conjoint analysis, calculations are made that estimate the marginal value of moving from one level of these attributes to another. Results show that operators preferred higher levels of education and experience. However, relevant experience was preferred over formal education. As an area of expertise, animal health was valued highest by operators of feedyards in all size categories for new assistant managers. Personnel management was valued lowest. Results suggest prospective assistant managers can maximize starting salary by gaining moderate levels of education and experience with an expertise in animal health.