In addition to the information provided on the BCRC Blog and under the Topics tab of this website, the following tools can help you make specific production decisions that suit your operation.
This decision-making tool was developed to help beef producers work with their neighbors to determine a value for salvaged crops.
Click to download [.xls file | 95kb]
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This decision-making tool is designed to identify economic opportunities and risks from backgrounding or preconditioning cattle by providing a summary of estimated net returns. It is currently available as an Excel download. A webpage version is in development. In meantime, to access a webpage version that evaluates preconditioning only, click here.
Click to download preconditioning and backgrounding calculator [.xlxs file | 149kb] Updated October 2021
Learn More:
What's the Most Profitable Post-Weaning Choice for your Calves? - BCRC Blog Post
Related:Value of Preconditioning online calculator
The following calculator was developed by the Alberta Beef, Forage and Grazing Centre. It allows producers to enter results from your feed tests to determine if that feed is of adequate nutritional value to be fed on its own.
The following calculator was developed by the Alberta Beef, Forage and Grazing Centre. It helps producers to determine the value of feed that they may be considering purchasing compared to the value of standard feeds.
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The following calculator is based on a study by Lardner et al. (2005) that reported calves whose dams drank from water troughs gained on average 0.09 lbs per day more than calves whose dams had direct access to the dugout. This calculator allows producers to:
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Producers can use the Winter Feeding Rations and Estimated Costs decision making tool to calculate and compare the costs of main feed ingredients in different rations.
Click to download [.xlsx file | 109kb] Updated November 2021
Learn More:
Winter Feed Cost Comparison Calculator: Managing Variable Costs - BCRC Blog Post November 2021
Forage U-Pick is a tool designed to provide users with information for forage selection, forage seeding rates, and weed management.
While every effort has been made to compile accurate and useful information, this tool should be considered a starting point for decision-making. When selecting a forage or forage mix, the Forage U-Pick tool should be used in conjunction with additional feedback from local professionals, other available technical resources, and the latest forage research.
The Forage U-Pick project was supported by over 13 different organizations through contributions of time and expertise. Funding was provided by the Beef Cattle Research Council, Alberta Beef, Forage and Grazing Centre, Saskatchewan Forage Council, and the Government of British Columbia and Government of Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
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The Carrying Capacity Calculator allows producers to determine the carrying capacity of pastures based on two methods: 1) estimates based on provincial guides and 2) field-based sampling.
Click to download [.xlsx file | 120kb]
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Producers can use the Cow-Calf Production Indicators Calculator to enter their own production numbers (only 15 numbers are needed) and compare them with an Industry Target and Regional Benchmark from the most recent regional cow-calf surveys.
Click to download [.xlsx file | 143kb]
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The Cost-Benefit of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Vaccinated Calves tool allows producers to input the number of feeder calves purchased (or retained), price, feed weight, cost of gain, days on feed and expected fed cattle price to see the potential savings from sourcing feeder cattle that have been vaccinated for BRD.
Click to download [.xlsx file | 95kb]
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The Cost Benefit of Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) Vaccinations tool allows producers to input their herd size, expected price, animal weights, cost of vaccine and labour to see the potential savings from vaccinating cattle for BVD.
Click to download [.xlsx file | 96kb] Updated November 2021
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Identifying a fair price during sire selection contributes to higher efficiency in operation economics. This calculator helps to estimate breakeven bull price based on different traits and the key parameters of your farm.
Click to download [.xlsx file | 100kb]
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Each time a cow is not bred during a 21-day heat cycle, it can cost up to 39 lbs of weaning weight (assuming an average daily gain on calves of 1.85 lbs/day). This calculator will allow producers to see what their current calving distribution is, and what the impact on your revenue would be if they move to the industry target of 60-25-10-5, or a condensed breeding season of three cycles.
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The following calculator is based on the economics of preg-checking model which was developed by Ben-Ezra and Muzzin in 2015. It can help cow-calf producers determine which of the following three options is most economical for their operation:
A basic and advanced version are available. Both versions have the option to enter parameters for feeding cull cows as a separate group.
Click to view the interactive tool.
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Demonstrates productivity of cows at various body condition scores, such as pregnancy rate, % showing estrus 30 days after calving, and calf weaning weight. Also estimates the value of calf crops for cows maintained at each body condition score.