Economic Analysis of Calf Versus Yearling Finishing

Authors

D. J. Jordon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Rob Cooper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Tony Scott, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Richard T. Clark, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2002

Comments

Published in 2002 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2001 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

The objective of this report was to compare economics of calf- and yearling- finishing systems. Yearling steers were wintered at 1.54 lb/day (fast) or 0.42 lb/day (slow) then grazed over the summer followed by finishing. Calf-fed steers were purchased in the fall and finished. Profit was based on 1992 to 1999 average price levels. Steers on the fast treatment profited $21.00/head compared to -$20.66/head for slow and -$23.18/head for calf feds. Calf-feeding was also compared to only the finishing phase of yearling systems. Steers on the fast system profited $29.78/head compared to $17.83 for slow and -$23.18 for calf feds.