An Analysis of the Competitive Position of Cattle Finishing in Utah and Selected Western States, 1969

Utah\u27s cattle feeding industry was described by using both secondary and primary data. The primary data were collected through use of a personal interview survey. Primary data were also collected in Idaho, while secondary data were used for Arizona, California and Colorado. Intrastate analysis of feeding costs showed definite cost savings were achieved in all states through economies of size. Interstate analysis of feeding costs showed Utah\u27s larger capacity feedlots to be very competitive with larger capacity lots in other states. 1968 prices for both slaughter and feeder cattle were computed for each state. Prices in Utah were slightly lower for both slaughter and feeder cattle than other states. A comparison of net return per unit fed in large feedlots indicated Utah\u27s larger feedlots were competitive with feedlots in other states