This study compared and analyzed actual 1989 production costs for representative regional feedlots in the U.S. The results show that grain-surplus regions have lower total costs and poorer feeding efficiencies. The analysis suggests that Iowa has a comparative advantage in producing heavily...

Source-verified (SV) feeder cattle auctions were held in Bloomfield, Iowa, each October, November, and December from 1997-2000. This study compares price data from these SV auctions to traditional auctions at the same location to determine whether a premium exists for SV feeder cattle. Hedonic...

The declining share of beef in total U.S. meat consumption has motivated industry-wide efforts to improve average beef quality through more effective coordination among the various market participants. Increased use of explicit grid pricing mechanisms over the last decade represents initial...

The declining share of beef in total U.S. meat consumption has motivated industry-wide efforts to improve average beef quality through more effective coordination among the various market participants. Increased use of explicit grid pricing mechanisms over the last decade represents initial...

Auction market users and operators were surveyed regarding their source and use of livestock auction price information. Although important for marketing and to a lesser extent production decisions, only 30 percent preferred publicly reported prices over reports from market operators or other...

The consolidation of pork production into fewer and larger operations has implications for rural agribusiness that have traditionally serviced producers. This study examines purchasing patterns of existing pork producers for production inputs by size of operation. Distance traveled to purchase...