Beef production and net revenue variability from grazing systems on semiarid grasslands of North America

DERNER, JUSTIN D.; IRISARRI, J. GONZALO; PECK, DANNELE E.; RITTEN, JOHN P.

LIVESTOCK SCIENCE

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2019 vol. 220 p. 93 - 99

1871-1413

Sustainability of ranches and rural economies in the Great Plains of western North America is contingent onthe economic vitality of beef production in a changing climate. Our objective was to measure and compare theinterannual variability of beef production (kg/ha) and net returns ($/ha) over the past 15 years (2003?2017)from grazing yearlings at three different grazing intensities (light, moderate and heavy) on semiarid shortgrasssteppe from mid-May to October. Four useful insights emerged: 1) A ranking of interannual variability, fromlowest to highest, reveals that beef production had the lowest coefficient of variation (CV=17?29%), followedby aboveground net primary production (ANPP, 26?32%), spring/early summer precipitation (36%) and net revenue(107?139%). 2) Beef production increased with grazing intensity during average and wet years, but notduring dry years. Beef production increased from early August to early September but became negligible fromearly September to the end of the grazing season. Overall, beef production and net revenue were 41% and 38%greater for the heavy grazing intensity compared to the recommended moderate grazing intensity, respectively.3) Removing yearlings from pastures in early September rather than the traditional October timing would provideopportunities for ranchers to increase net returns. 4) Forage production, estimated through remote sensinginformation, was positively associated with beef production, but with a steeper slope for the heavy grazing intensity,indicating greater sensitivity at this grazing intensity level. Economic sustainability of beef production inthis rangeland ecosystem is challenged by high interannual variability in net revenues. This variability suggeststhat ranchers should focus on understanding agricultural economic principles, livestock marketing, and availableoptions for reducing price risk. These efforts would enhance both the economic sustainability of individualranching operations and rural economies