Want to Start or Expand a Feedlot Operation? Consider These Factor First
CANADA - Many farmers are contemplating adding or expanding a cattle feeding enterprise right now, but before building any fences, they should first consider a list of factors.
4 October 2007
2 minute read
“What may work for a few cattle may not be the best for additional cattle,”
John Lawrence, director of the Iowa Beef Center and economist with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension
John Lawrence, director of the Iowa Beef Center and economist with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension, said farmers often grow a little at a time without taking into consideration all of the animal, environmental and financial factors. Those should be taken into account when looking at expanding, he said.
“What may work for a few cattle may not be the best for additional cattle,” said Lawrence, adding different regulations apply to certain sizes of operations.
Many farmers are now considering starting or growing an operation in order to bring in the next generation or to simply take advantage of the large supply of distillers grains from ethanol production, he said.
“With important investments such as this, it is important that they plan carefully and do not do something they will regret later,” Lawrence said.
The Iowa Beef Center recommends reviewing the following checklist before starting or expanding a cattle feeding enterprise.
These are general questions that often have site-specific and farm-specific answers. In many cases, more detailed assessment tools can help determine the answers or address any shortfalls. These are available at www.iowabeefcenter.org. For assistance with whole farm planning and budgeting, check out the ISU Extension Ag Decision Maker Web site, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/.
TheCattleSite News Desk
