The annual fall cattle feeder projections for 2020 have been compiled.

The Fall 2020 Cattle Feeder Projections (xls) include twelve different feedlot related enterprises that are summarized on the first tab. Each enterprise projection has its own sheet within the file.

Fall 2020 purchase prices were determined by looking at early October area feeder sales in western Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota.

Projected sale prices were estimated by looking at futures contract prices and taking into account seasonal and cyclical trends in addition to current placements and animal breed influence on prices. These projections are intended to serve as an initial guide. Producers are strongly encouraged to use their own numbers rather than the estimated costs to evaluate their specific situation. The Enterprise Projection spreadsheets are not fully functional, they do not have the yardage calculator and ration cost calculator components in the UW-Madison Extension Feedlot Enterprise Budget due to the way they are bundled together into one spreadsheet workbook.

The fully functional Extension Feedlot Enterprise Budget Tool (xls) includes section tabs to help producers evaluate their operation in greater detail. Customizable sections include Feed Costs, Yardage, and Labor and Management. Using this enterprise budget or similar tools with your own numbers is more helpful for your decisions. These projections are based on averages; therefore, the prices and scenarios will not apply to every feedlot operation.

Current prices, cost structures, and volatility are resulting in rapid changes in the enterprise margins this fall and will continue to affect margins. Enterprises included in the projections are:

• Holstein bull calf birth to 400 lbs
• Dairy x Beef cross calf birth to 400 lbs
• Dairy x Beef cross steers 400-1400 lbs
• Holstein steers 400-800 lbs
• Holstein steers 400-1450 lbs
• Holstein steers 800-1450 lbs
• Pre-conditioned feeder calves 500-600 lbs
• Beef feeder steer calves 500-1400 lbs
• Beef feeder heifer calves 475-1250 lbs
• Beef feeder calves background 500-900 lbs
• Finish beef yearlings 800-1400 lbs
• Cull cows 1200-1400 lbs

Projections prepared by: Bill Halfman, Amanda Cauffman, Carolyn Ihde, Ryan Sterry, Dr. Dan Schaefer, UW- Madison Animal and Dairy Science Department emeritus professor, and Dr. Brenda Boetel, UW- Madison Division of Extension Livestock Economist and UW River Falls Ag Economics Department