An Evaluation of Economic Efficiencies of Two Beef Systems from Calving to Harvest

Spring-calving, crossbred cows were used in a three-year experiment to determine the economic efficiencies of two different beef systems. Cows were either wintered on pasture (Control System) or on cornstalks (Treatment System). Control System steers were transported to a feedlot, fed a finishing diet and slaughtered. Treatment System steers were wintered on cornstalks, grazed pasture, fed a finishing diet and slaughtered. The Treatment System had lower weaning and slaughter breakeven, lower cost per weaned calf and greater profit potential when finished steers were sold on a live basis. Profitability was similar when finished steers were sold on a grid basis