Decision Tools

This decision aid is a spreadsheet that allows users to create separate enterprise budgets for the different phases of livestock production when animals are purchased rather than raised. It can be used when an individual purchases livestock and changes how they are handled during the time they are owned. For instance, they may be fed for a while, then allowed to grazed, and then fed again prior to being sold. Each of these phases can be analyzed separately with the results combined.

• Purchased Livestock

Excel spreadsheet to compare value differences among bulls of the same type.

• Bull Value Cow-Q-Lator

Excel spreadsheet that estimates the average annual breeding costs per calf. More information available here.

• Cow/Heifer Breeding Cost Cow-Q-Lator

Excel spreadsheet designed for producers to estimate the cost of maintaining bulls for their herd. More information available here.

• Breeding Cost Cow-Q-Lator

Excel spreadsheet that estimates net benefits of buying a heifer instead of raising them. Based on this analysis it provides a Cumulative Distribution Function(CDF) graph of net benefits. To learn more about stochastic partial budgeting and guidance on entering data in the spreadsheet click here.

• Cow-Calf Cost Cow-Q-Lator

Calculates an equitable share arrangement for leasing cows. The password for this spreadsheet is "cow."

• Cow-Calf Share Lease Cow-Q-Lator

Excel worksheet for matching livestock size and numbers with corn stalk acres needed with a cost.

• The Cornstalk Grazing Cow-Q-Lator

Example compares the cost of TDN and Crude Protein in different feeds considering transportation and handling costs and losses. It also calculates the feed needed and total cost given herd size and days fed. The "With Examples" spreadsheet is the spreadsheet with some sample feeds entered.

• The Feed Cost Cow-Q-Lator

An Excel worksheet that calculates breakevens for feeders or cull cows.

• Breakeven Cow-Q-Lator for Feeders or Cull Cows

A worksheet for estimating the cost for developing water sources for livestock in grazing areas. This worksheet is from extension circular EC03-821 published by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Marketing

Fed Cattle

Cattle Prices

• CME Group Live Cattle Futures and Options
• USDA-AMS Livestock Price Reports
• National Cash Cattle, Negotiated Purchases
  Morning | Afternoon | Summary
• Nebraska Cash Cattle, Negotiated Purchases 
  Afternoon | Summary
• Nebraska Daily Weighted Average Fed Cattle Price, Negotiated Purchases
• Daily Slaughter
• Boxed Beef Prices
  Morning | Afternoon | Weekly Average Report

 NASS Reports

• Cattle on Feed Report
• Cattle Inventory Report

Feeder Cattle

Feeder Cattle Prices

• CME Group Feeder Cattle Futures and Options
• CME Feeder Cattle Index
• USDA-AMS Feeder Cattle Auctions
• Nebraska Weekly Weighted Average Feeder Cattle Report
• Bassett Livestock Auction
• Burwell Livestock Auction
• Ericson-Spalding Livestock
• Huss Platte Valley Auction (Kearney)
• Imperial Auction
• Lexington Livestock
• Ogallala Livestock Auction
• Tri-State Livestock Auction (McCook)
• WY, W. NE., SW. SD, & W. ND Direct Feeder Cattle
• Superior Video Auction
• Superior Stampede Internet Auction
• Western Video Market