Howdy there,

It's been a bit since I have posted but here's an interesting and pertinent article for cattlemen.  On April 17 FarmWeek published an article on a study considering returns for IL cattle feeders.  The article was also on Drovers website.

The highlights are:
- Total returns have exceeded total economic costs eight out of the last ten years.
- Total economic costs in 2013 for Illinois beef feeding enterprises exceeded total returns by $15.60 per 100 pounds of beef produced on beef feeding farms enrolled in Illinois Farm Business Farm Management.
- Total returns per 100 pounds produced increased from $104.98 in 2012 to $109.27 in 2013.
- Feed costs decreased about 2 percent in 2013 as compared to 2012.
- Returns to cattle feeders increased in 2013 compared to 2012 but were below the last four year average.
- Feed costs will decrease in 2014 due to lower corn and forage prices.
- Higher finished cattle prices and significantly lower feed costs will most likely result in returns to cattle feeders in 2014 above 2013 returns as well as total returns above total costs.

If you are interested in reading the article click here for the link.