Think Feed Is Your Biggest Cost? Jim Gerrish Says You're Looking at the Wrong Number

In this episode, Jim Gerrish challenges one of the most common assumptions in the cattle business—that feed is always your largest expense. While winter feed has traditionally topped the budget for most cow-calf operations, Jim explains why that may soon change. As the cattle cycle shifts, depreciation—not feed—could become the biggest financial threat facing producers over the next several years. Drawing from decades of research, industry data, and real-world ranch consulting, Jim reveals the financial metrics that actually separate profitable operations from struggling ones. He explains why producers often focus on improving weaning weights while overlooking the costs that have a far greater impact on the bottom line. If you're serious about protecting profitability through changing markets, this episode will challenge the way you evaluate your operation. 🔑 Key Points Covered Why cow depreciation could become the largest cost in your operation over the next 1–3 years. How the cattle cycle impacts profitability beyond cattle prices. The surprising research showing feed costs account for over half of the variation in ranch profitability. Why equipment and facility depreciation often hurts profits more than producers realize. What the Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) data reveals about successful cow-calf operations. Why chasing heavier weaning weights rarely delivers the financial returns producers expect. The hidden costs of producing and feeding hay that many ranchers never calculate. Why herd size alone has very little influence on profitability. How changing your business model often matters more than increasing production. Why understanding costs—not just production—is the key to long-term success. Whether you manage 50 cows or 5,000, this episode offers practical financial insights that can help you make better management decisions and prepare for the next phase of the cattle cycle. Jim's newest book, Grassroots of Grazing: Grazing Management, Land Improvement and Profitability brings together 85 of his most valuable Stockman Grass Farmer columns, carefully selected from nearly three decades of writing for today's grass farmers. Inside you'll learn about: Growing the next generation of graziers Improving soil health and land productivity Assessing profitability using Animal Unit Days Enterprise and pasture diversity Birthing livestock in sync with nature Drought planning Estimating pasture inventory Practical grazing strategies that improve both profitability and quality of life Whether you raise cattle, sheep, goats, or poultry, this collection provides practical, field-tested advice that can be applied to nearly every grazing operation. 📖 Order your copy here 🌱 About Grassroots of Grazing For nearly three decades, Jim Gerrish has authored the Grassroots of Grazing column in Stockman Grass Farmer, sharing practical, research-backed insights that continue to help producers improve their land, livestock, and profitability. 🎧 Listen, Learn & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Insights from the Pasture for conversations with leading voices in regenerative grazing, livestock production, and profitable grass farming. For more educational resources, courses, books, and podcast episodes, visit us here