Analysis of the Costs and Returns of Pasturing Irrigated Alfalfa for Beef Production in Utah in 1983

The purpose of this study was to analyze the economics of pasturing feeder steers on irrigated alfalfa and compare this alternative to harvesting, storing, and selling alfalfa hay as well as selling standing alfalfa in the field. Available prices, costs and returns were calculated for fall planted wheat as a rotation crop, alfalfa establishment, alfalfa hay, alfalfa sold standing in the field, and pasturing feeder steers of different weight classifications on alfalfa with side roll irrigation. A case study mode 1 farm was developed to examine the cost and returns of each enterprise option. The pasturing of feeder steers on alfalfa was found to have the highest returns to land and management with the exception of the 450-pound weight class. The other enterprise alternative that showed promise was selling alfalfa standing in the field