Updated May, 2009
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decision tool in xls format
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File B1-21






Ann JohannsWilliam EdwardsJohn LawrenceShane Ellis

Livestock Enterprise Budgets for Iowa - 2008

Shane Ellis, extension program specialist, 515-294-8030, shanee@iastate.edu, John D. Lawrence, extension livestock economist, jdlaw@iastate.edu, William Edwards, extension economist, wedwards@iastate.edu, Ann M. Johanns, extension program specialist, aholste@iastate.edu


Iowa livestock enterprise budgets for swine, beef, sheep, and dairy are presented in this file. The budget estimates are intended to reflect average or above-average levels of management using common types of technology.

These budget tables are presented in the accompanying "pdf" file that you can access by clicking here or on the icon above.

Enter projected estimates for input and sale prices. Suggested input prices are shown on page 2 in the accompanying "pdf" file that you can access by clicking here or on the icon above. Suggested sale prices are shown in Information File Livestock Planning Prices.

Accompanying PDF Page Enterprise Name
decision tool in Excel formatPage 6. Farrow-to-finish - Pasture
Farrow-to-finish - Total Confinement
decision tool in Excel formatPage 7. Finishing feeder pigs
decision tool in Excel formatPage 8.

Producing weaned 12 lb. pigs – Total Confinement

decision tool in Excel formatPage 9.

Finishing weaned 12 lb. pigs – Total Confinement

decision tool in Excel formatPage 11. Finishing yearling steers - corn and hay ration
Finishing yearling steers - corn and silage ration
decision tool in Excel formatPage 12 . Finishing steer calves - corn and hay ration
Finishing steer calves - corn and silage ration
decision tool in Excel formatPage 13. Finishing yearling heifers - corn and hay ration
Finishing yearling heifers - corn and silage ration
decision tool in Excel formatPage 14. Backgrounding steer calves - winter corn and hay ration
Backgrounding steer calves - summer improved pasture
decision tool in Excel formatPage 15. Beef cow-calf
decision tool in Excel formatPage 17. Ewe flock
decision tool in Excel formatPage 19. Feeder lamb
decision tool in Excel formatPage 21.

Grade A Dairy – 20,000 lbs milk per cow annually
Grade A Dairy – 24,000 lbs milk per cow annually

Data were drawn from farm record summaries, feed consumption research and price projections, and are intended to be used for planning purposes only. For individual farms, expected costs and input requirements based on past results should be substituted whenever possible.

Each budget contains estimates of the following types of costs:

Fixed Costs. Costs that will occur regardless of the level of production each year. They generally include such things as depreciation, repairs, taxes, and insurance on facilities, breeding livestock, and livestock equipment and facilities. Annual depreciation and other fixed cost of ownership are assumed to be a percentage of the original value.

Variable Costs. Costs that vary according to the level of production. Interest is calculated on feed and other Variable Costs for one-half the production period.