Farm enterprise Budget Series: June 2010
Enterprise: Growing out early weaned calves 160kg - 340kg
Enterprise Unit: 100 steers
Pasture: Improved Pasture
Assumptions
Growing out early weaned calves 160kg - 340kg. Enterprise unit is 100 steers purchased at 4 - 6 months of age at 160 kg liveweight, held for 12 months and sold direct to feedlots at 340kg liveweight.
Selling costs include:
Commission 3.5%, yard dues $0 (sold direct to feedlot.) MLA levy $5/hd, average freight cost to feedlot 12.00/hd, NLIS tags @ $2.90 for all sale cattle.
Mortality rate of adult stock: 2%
The average feed requirement for this enterprise is rated at 6.37 dse’s*. This is an average figure and will vary during the year.
Note that as with breeding enterprises there has been no interest charged on livestock.
If an interest charge of 10% pa is charged a further $3680 of costs should be allowed in the budget.
Marketing Information:
It is recommended that growers use description marketing in liveweight lines and ensure suitable deck lots are available to attract feed lotters as well as restockers. Weaner trained calves taught to eat are an advantage.
Production Information:
This budget involves growing out young early weaned, but well grown 4-6mth calves on grass or forage to domestic feeder weights for resale to feedlots. All stock should be fit, healthy, vaccinated and in fresh forward store condition. Any runts and potential shy feeders are best removed.
