research

[Beef08]

Hey everyone, I am doing some research and I wanted to get a idea on the yearly average income/expenses of a cattle farm. I realize that number of head plays a part in it, but I am curious to know that the average is. So anyone who will help, I appreciate it.

 

[bigbull338]

i cant tell you about what others make a year off of cattle.but i can tell you what ive done the last year.started with 4 reg cows an $6000 debt.expenses for the year was $7200 including payments.an only sold 2 reg heifers for $1600.then bought 2 cows for $3000.so my debt load is almost where i started again.so as for profit for the year its a $0.i doubt ill ever make a profit because ill always be buying cows ever so often.with selling 6 calves this year thats $4800 a year in calf sales.wich means ill breakeven maybe this year.

 

[1982vett]

Beef08, funny you should ask, just a few days ago I was wondering what it cost per day to feed a cow. I ran some 3 year averages of income vs expenses and came up with this:

Based on 105 Cows.

To feed: expenses includes - fertilizer, feed, chemicals, fuel, labor, rent, seed, income from hay sold - $.58/day.

Total expense: expenses includes - above items plus, capital expenses, insurance, repairs, supplies, taxes, utilities, veterinary, accounting, dues, liscense and permits = $1.69/day.

Total income: cows and bulls sold, calves sold, hay sold = $1.48/day.

Total income + hay inventory = $1.73

Net gain per day over last three years = $.06/day/cow.

 

[Beef08]

It's bout where i suspected it.. Do you think people will ever be able to fulltime farm and make a decent living? Like they used to...

 

[1982vett]

Nope

 

[Beef08]

well there go my dreams...

 

[Bluestem]

It's bout where i suspected it.. Do you think people will ever be able to fulltime farm and make a decent living? Like they used to...

Don't give up hope. Start thinking outside the box. Be flexible. A farm can have numerous enterprises. Some will make more than others. We started dirt farming this past winter. There is a huge demand for "local grow produce".
One other advantage- When the economy is falling apart all around you, you'll have plenty to eat. We're eating like kings right now.

 

[Beef08]

The food part is true for sure.

 

[Beef08]

Here is another question for anyone who cares to answer. What about the average income for farming crops such as: cotton, soybeans,wheat or corn? And how hard is it to get started in that type of farming if you are completely starting from scratch?

 

[grannysoo]

I've always heard that the best way to make a little money farming was to start out with a lot...........