Purchased feed and inputs for pasture and hay production represent one of the largest cost categories for cow-calf and stocker producers. Based on Standard Performance Analysis (SPA) data from cow-calf producers in Texas, purchased feed, fertilizer, seed, and chemicals account for 24 percent of annual cow cost. This cost has yet to include labor, fuel, maintenance/repair, depreciation, or interest which account for 43 percent of the total cost of carrying a cow. The entire 43 percent cannot be attributed to feed, pasture, and hay costs, but one can easily see how 40 to 50 percent of all costs could be attributed to keeping cattle fed. In order to achieve the task of determining how much hay is needed and what the potential cost will be, Kevin Ferguson, Rebekah Norman, and Tammy McKinley developed an Excel-based “Hay Calculator” to help with the calculations. Read more…