The Feedlot Profit Calculator is a valuable tool designed to estimate the net profit or loss from raising livestock in a feedlot operation. It calculates how much profit is made per animal by considering key cost components like purchase price, feed cost, and other operational expenses.
This calculator is especially helpful for feedlot managers, investors, and farm operators who need to forecast financial performance and make smart decisions about their feeding strategies. It helps evaluate break-even points, profitability margins, and risk scenarios based on real-world inputs.
formula of Feedlot Profit Calculator
Main Formula:
Feedlot Profit = (Sale Price − Purchase Price) − Total Feed Cost − Other Costs
Where:
- Sale Price = revenue from selling the finished animal
- Purchase Price = initial cost of acquiring the animal
- Total Feed Cost = cumulative cost of all feed consumed
- Other Costs = additional expenses like vet, labor, yardage, and transport
Supporting Formulas:
- Total Feed Cost = (Daily Feed Intake × Days on Feed × Feed Price per Unit) / Unit Conversion
- Sale Price = Final Weight × Market Price per Weight Unit
- Purchase Price = Initial Weight × Purchase Price per Weight Unit
Expanded Full Profit Formula:
Feedlot Profit = [(Final Weight × Sale Price/unit) − (Initial Weight × Purchase Price/unit)] − (Daily Intake × Days on Feed × Feed Price/unit) − Other Costs
This formula covers both input and output values across the entire feeding cycle, giving a clearer view of profitability per head.
Common Reference Table
| Input Variable | Typical Value or Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Weight | 600 lbs (or 270 kg) | Weight at purchase |
| Final Weight | 1300 lbs (or 590 kg) | Weight at sale |
| Market Sale Price | $1.65/lb | Selling price for finished weight |
| Purchase Price | $1.40/lb | Cost per lb of initial animal weight |
| Feed Cost per Ton | $250 | Price of feed (bulk) |
| Daily Feed Intake | 22 lbs/day | Per animal average daily consumption |
| Days on Feed | 140 days | Duration of feedlot cycle |
| Other Costs (fixed/variable) | $120/head | Total of labor, medicine, yardage, etc. |
Values may vary based on location, season, and animal type. Always use local market rates for accuracy.
Example of Feedlot Profit Calculator
Suppose you're finishing a steer in a feedlot:
- Initial Weight = 600 lbs
- Final Weight = 1300 lbs
- Purchase Price = $1.40/lb
- Sale Price = $1.65/lb
- Feed Intake = 22 lbs/day
- Days on Feed = 140
- Feed Price = $250/ton
- Other Costs = $120/head
Step-by-Step:
Purchase Cost = 600 × 1.40 = $840
Sale Revenue = 1300 × 1.65 = $2,145
Feed Consumed = 22 × 140 = 3,080 lbs = 1.54 tons
Feed Cost = 1.54 × 250 = $385
Now plug into the full formula:
Profit = (2,145 − 840) − 385 − 120 = $800 per animal
This result reflects a healthy profit, assuming stable market conditions and efficient management.
Most Common FAQs
A net profit of $100–$300 per head is often considered good, depending on market volatility and feed costs. Profit margins can be higher or lower based on operational efficiency.
Yes, include all such operational expenses under "Other Costs" to ensure a complete and accurate profit estimate.
Absolutely. Whether you run a commercial feedlot or a small farm, this calculator helps you make better financial decisions and track cost efficiency.