Economic Analysis of Stockers Grazing Botanically Diverse Summer Annual Pasture

Authors

Kelly M. Mercier, University of Kentucky Research and Extension CenterFollow
Christopher D. Teutsch, University of Kentucky Research and Education CenterFollow
S. Ray Smith, University of KentuckyFollow
Kenneth H. Burdine, University of KentuckyFollow
Eric S. Vanzant, University of KentuckyFollow
Edwin L. Ritchey, University of Kentucky Research and Education CenterFollow

Volume

63

Issue

3

Abstract

Economic analyses were performed to determine the feasibility of retaining weaned fall-born calves on summer annual pastures (a monoculture, a 3-species mixture, or a 12-species mixture). Average daily gain was reduced by 0.3 lbs/day in calves grazing the complex mixture in two out of three years. Enterprise budgeting illustrated that retaining calves on summer annual forages was not economical. Two-way net return tables indicated that this scenario would only be profitable when cattle prices are high and pasture establishment costs are low. Extension educators should be sure to emphasize the economic risks when discussing these systems.

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Recommended Citation

Mercier, K. M., Teutsch, C. D., Smith, S. R., Burdine, K. H., Vanzant, E. S., & Ritchey, E. L. (2025). Economic Analysis of Stockers Grazing Botanically Diverse Summer Annual Pasture. The Journal of Extension, 63(3), Article 13. https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol63/iss3/13