Enhancing Year-Round Profitability for Small-Scale Ranchers: An Economic Analysis of Integrated Cattle and Mushroom Production System

Abstract

Profitability remains elusive for many small-scale cattle farmers, as the high operational costs involved often require a larger herd to achieve a reasonable profit. This study uses key financial metrics and the Monte Carlo probabilistic simulation to evaluate the economic feasibility and viability of integrating cattle and mushroom production to enhance year-round profitability for small-scale ranchers. The study results illustrate a promising outlook for investing in the integration of cattle and mushroom production. This integrated system shows potential for generating significant returns with minimal risk over the long term. The Monte Carlo simulation indicates that combining mushroom farming with cattle farming could substantially decrease feed expenses, fertilizer costs for hay production, and overall operational expenditures, while also increasing revenue from mushroom sales.