Economics of Ranch Management Alternatives in Southwestern North Dakota

The fundamental management problem of northern plains ranchers is to increase ranch income while maintaining or improving the productivity of the range resource. This study used linear programming to evaluate the profitability of alternative range and livestock management practices. Sale of yearlings was found to be more profitable than selling calves. Establishment of crested wheatgrass for spring grazing allowed deferment of native range and was profitable if yearling prices exceeded $40 per cwt. Fertilization of crested wheatgrass pastures and native hayland at a rate of 40 pounds actual nitrogen per acre was profitable, but native range fertilization was not profitable using prices for the 1970-73 period. Recent price trends place added emphasis on efficient use of the range resource.This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries.The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information.Migrated from OJS platform August 202