| Cow-calf producers face an annual decision on when to sell their calves. They can sell them at any point between weaning and slaughter, with the objective of finding the profit maximizing selling point. This paper investigates the use of price signals to determine profit maximizing selling points/retention strategies. Three retention strategies, one for fall calving and two for spring calving, are considered. Producers can sell their calves at weaning, after preconditioning, after grass pasture, after wheat pasture, or after the feedlot depending on the retention strategy. These price signals indicate the optimal selling point based on an observable price ratio at weaning. This paper also considers factors such as the level of preconditioning premiums and... |
