What typically makes up the largest portion of annual cow cost?

Feed cost typically comprises the largest portion of the annual expenses associated with raising cows. This expense encompasses all the feed required to sustain cattle throughout the year, including pastures, hay, grains, and supplementary feeds. The cost of feed can fluctuate significantly based on the price of commodities, availability, and the nutritional needs of the cattle at different stages of their growth and production cycles.

In many cattle operations, feeding constitutes the primary ongoing expenditure due to the substantial quantities of feed required, especially in operations that rely on high levels of grain or forage to meet the energy and protein requirements of their animals. Effective management of feed resources and costs can greatly influence overall profitability in cattle production. By contrast, while veterinary care, labor costs, and breeding costs are also important considerations in cattle management, they typically do not equal the substantial feed expenses that producers face.