The Ag Decision Maker platform available through Iowa State University Extension is available to help livestock producers estimate their production costs. The online tool provides the average production cost estimates for swine, beef, and sheep enterprises in the state. Producers are able to enter their own numbers and budgets for their operations while using the decision tool spreadsheets. 

Farm Management Specialist Tim Christensen shared that long-term average prices were used to develop the livestock budgets, but notes each operation is unique. The resources can be used as a template to build budgets and projections.

It’s noted, feed costs saw a decline last year while purchase prices for all livestock increased.