Missouri Beef Cow-Calf Planning Budget

Editor’s note
The following abstract describes a publication that is only available as a downloadable PDF.

See the Missouri Beef Budget Tool (XLSX) for related information.

Drew Kientzy
Senior Research Analyst, Agricultural Business and Policy

Wesley Tucker
Field Specialist in Agricultural Business

Zachary Erwin
Field Specialist in Livestock

Abstract

Using this planning budget, beef cow-calf operations may estimate their costs and returns for 2026. Table 1 presents estimates for a cow-calf operation (50-cow herd size and purchased replacements) in Missouri with either a fall or spring calving season selling their calves in calendar year 2026. Assumptions were based on price forecasts as of October 2025. Detailed assumptions and feed requirements are summarized in Tables 2, 3 and 4. The production practices used to develop these cost estimates are common in Missouri beef farms. Use the “Your estimate” column to plan your operation’s costs and returns for 2026.

The publication revises and replaces MU Extension publications G679, Southern Missouri Beef Cow-Calf Planning Budget, and G680, Northern Missouri Beef Cow-Calf Planning Budget.

Topics

• Beef cow-calf
• Farm budget

Pages

• 2