By Andi Anderson
Iowa livestock producers can now estimate their 2025 production costs with help from new resources provided by Ag Decision Maker. Published in the June edition, the article Livestock Enterprise Budgets for Iowa includes average cost estimates and customizable decision tools for swine, beef, and sheep operations.
Each enterprise budget outlines both fixed and variable costs. Fixed costs, such as depreciation, interest, and taxes, remain constant regardless of output. Variable costs, including feed and veterinary expenses, change depending on the size and scope of production.
"Having a strong handle on production costs is a core business management aspect for livestock producers," said Tim Christensen, farm management specialist with Iowa State University Extension and co-author of the article. “Knowing the key components of their production costs can help producers immediately see the impacts changing feed costs or profits will have on their overall operation.”
The resource uses long-term average prices to provide a solid budgeting foundation. However, producers are encouraged to use the provided spreadsheets to tailor the budgets to reflect their own operations more accurately.
While feed costs have decreased from 2024 levels, the purchase price for livestock has increased, causing varying effects across livestock types. These shifts highlight the importance of using updated data and tools to manage farm finances effectively.
The Ag Decision Maker platform has long been a trusted source for farm management resources. With these new 2025 estimates, livestock producers are better equipped to make informed decisions and adjust their operations to meet future economic challenges.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Iowa, Livestock