Rangeland Ecology & Management

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A Model for Assessing Investments in Intensive Grazing Technology
Author
Wilson, P. N.
Ray, D. E.
Ruyle, G. B.
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
1987-09-01
Body

The financial profitability of intensive grazing management techniques such as short duration grazing (SDG) and the Savory Grazing Management (SGM) has received very little attention in the range management or economics literature. Most research has emphasized variables which measure technical rather than economic efficiency. A conceptual economic model is presented which illustrates the importance of the management factor in determining the optimal stocking rate and profitability of cell grazing practices. Empirical results yield internal rates of return on an after-tax basis for a $10,000 grazing cell for 11-40% assuming cow herd productivity is maintained at, or increased above, pre-adoption levels. As cell costs increase and stocking rates increase, ranch profitability declines and increases respectively in almost all cases. The principal determinant of long-run profits is found to be livestock productivity since this factor has a greater impact on profitability than stocking rate levels or cell investment costs. Increased stocking rates with intensive grazing technology do not insure increased profits unless concurrent improvement in range, livestock, and business management practices are adopted. 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 2020

Language
en
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.2307/3899596
Additional Information
Wilson, P. N., Ray, D. E., & Ruyle, G. B. (1987). A model for assessing investments in intensive grazing technology. Journal of Range Management, 40(5), 401-404.
IISN
0022-409X
OAI Identifier
oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/645120
Journal Volume
40
Journal Number
5
Journal Pages
401-404
Journal Name
Journal of Range Management
Keywords
investment
intensive livestock farming
ranching
economic analysis
stocking rate
profitability
range management
grazing