How a beef operation is managed can make a significant difference in how profitable it is. With so many variables to consider, such as feed and fuel costs and up-and-down markets – managing profitability and maintaining a healthy bottom line can present an ongoing challenge.
UNL Extension will offer beef profitability workshops in January and February to help producers meet these challenges.
The sessions will be held at two different locations on each workshop date. Afternoon sessions will be held at the Washington County Extension Office, 597 Grant St., Blair, NE. Afternoon workshops run from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. with a 12:30 p.m. registration.
Evening sessions will be held at the Saunders County Extension Office at UNL's Agricultural Research Center's August N. Christenson Research and Education Building near Mead, NE. The workshops run from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. registration.
The first workshop will be held on January 26. Dr. Rick Rasby, UNL Beef Specialist will cover Cow-Calf Producer Profit Tips. Topics will include: cow/calf management systems to attack feed costs; testing forages for quality can save dollars and makes “cents” when designing feeding programs; understanding a forage analysis and purchasing protein supplements after comparing options on a cost per pound of protein basis.
On February 17, Dr. Darrell Mark, UNL Livestock Marketing Specialist will present “The Economics of Calf Finishing & Backgrounding Systems: Breakevens, Outlook, and Co-Product Feeding”. Topics include: calculating breakeven and its use in decision making; backgrounding and yearling systems; calf feeding versus background and yearling finishing systems; and the economics of feeding and storing ethanol co-products.
Pre-registration is encouraged by phone, fax, e-mail or mail 1 week in advance – discounts apply. Cost is $10 for registrations received one week in advance (by Jan. 20 for the first session and by Febr. 10 for the second workshop). After that, the fee is $15.
Fees include reference materials and refreshments. Make checks payable to: UNL Extension in Saunders County and mail to 1071 County Road G, Room B, Ithaca, NE 68033-2234.
For more information or to register, contact UNL Extension Educator, Sara Ellicott at (402) 624-8030, (800) 529-8030, e-mail sellicott2@unl.edu or fax (402)624-8010. Information also is available online at http://ardc.unl.edu/2008BeefProfitability.pdf.
The workshops are sponsored by UNL Extension in Douglas/Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington Counties. UNL Extension is in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
