Improving Beef Cattle Profitability by Changing Calving Season Length

Authors

Christopher N. Boyer, University of Tennessee - KnoxvilleFollow
Andrew P. Griffith, Institute of Agriculture, Agricultural & Resource EconomicsFollow
Ky G. Pohler, Texas A&M UniversityFollow

Abstract

We determined the impacts of calving season length on net returns and variability in net returns for spring-and fall-calving herds in Tennessee. Weaning weight as a function of calving date was estimated using a 19-year data set and simulation models generated distributions of net returns for 45-, 60-, and 90-day calving periods with and without using hypothetical improved reproductive management (IRM) practices. Shortening the calving period from 90 days increased expected net returns in the spring-and fall-calving herds. The 45-day fall-calving period with IRM maximized profits, but an extremely risk-averse producer would select a 45-day fall-calving period without IRM.

Recommended Citation

Boyer, Christopher N.; Griffith, Andrew P.; and Pohler, Ky G. (2020) "Improving Beef Cattle Profitability by Changing Calving Season Length," Journal of Applied Farm Economics: Vol. 3 : Iss. 1, Article 2.
DOI: 10.7771/2331-9151.1035
Available at: https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jafe/vol3/iss1/2