Valuing Corn Silage for Beef Cattle Feed 2014 Guide

Published on Aug. 28, 2014

Corn silage has historically been an attractive alternative for livestock producers when grain prices are relatively low (pre-2006).  Corn prices have been extremely high in the last half-dozen years and as a consequence, provided fewer opportunities for profitably feeding silage for beef cattle.

2014 Farm Bill Summary

By Will Snell | Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 1, 2014

After several years of debate, extensions and much uncertainty the 2014 Farm Bill --- The Agricultural Act of 2014 was signed into law by President Obama on February 7, 2014 which establishes nutrition, commodity, crop insurance, conservation, and other ag/food programs for next five years (2014-2018).

Using the Futures Market to Predict Prices and Calculate Breakevens for Feeder Cattle

By Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor and Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Aug. 1, 2013

Futures markets are used by cattle producers in three ways.  First, the futures market is an excellent source of price information.  It responds very quickly to information that affects supply and demand in the marketplace and can be used as a rough gauge as to what is going on in these markets.

Using Futures Markets to Manage Price Risk for Feeder Cattle: Advanced Strategies

By Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 1, 2013

Price volatility in feeder cattle markets has greatly increased over the last several years.  While there are many reasons for the increase in price volatility, some of the more common factors include volatility in grain and fed cattle prices, variability in weather, and an increased dependence on exports.

Using Futures Markets to Manage Price Risk for Feeder Cattle

By Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Feb. 1, 2013

Price volatility in feeder cattle markets has greatly increased since 2007.  While there are many reasons for the increase in price volatility, some of the more common factors include volatility in grain and fed cattle prices, variability in weather, and an increased dependence on exports.

Switchgrass vs. Hay Comparative Budgets

By Greg Halich | Associate Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 31, 2010

This decision tool has been created to help budget for switchgrass biomass production and to compare profitability to hay production (both with either large round or large square bales).  Author(s) Contact Information: 

Hay/Forage Budget

By Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor
Published on Apr. 1, 2006

Included in this publication is an Alfalfa Hay budget, a Grass / Mixed Hay budget, a basic pasture maintenance budget, and an E+ Fescue Replacement budget.

Equine Enterprise Budgets

By Kenny Burdine | Extension Professor and Steve Isaacs | Extension Professor
Published on Mar. 1, 2006

This publication contains budgets for production of selected equine enterprises in Kentucky. The purpose of these budgets is to serve as a management and decision-making guide for current and prospective horse owners. These budgets are not intended to replace an owner's own records and estimates. 

Meat Goat Enterprise Budgets

Published on Apr. 29, 2003

This publication contains budgets for production of meat goat enterprises in Kentucky. The purpose of these budgets is to serve as a management and decision-making guide for current and prospective producers of these enterprises. 

PRIMER for Selecting New Enterprises for Your Farm

By Steve Isaacs | Extension Professor and Tim Woods | Extension Professor
Published on Aug. 1, 2000

This publication is designed to help producers evaluate new enterprises for their farms or family businesses. It is based on a set of worksheets to help evaluate the Profitability, Resource requirements, Information needs, Marketing decisions, Enthusiasm for, and the Risk associated with a new enterprise.