Risk and returns from grazing beef cattle on warm‐season grasses in Tennessee

Abstract

AbstractBeef cattle production in the southeastern United States is forage‐based, relying primarily on tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus [Schreb.] Dumort; TF). While TF has many desirable characteristics for forage, physiological traits can create forage management challenges for producers during the summer. Managing forage production is necessary for producers to maximize profits and reduce feed costs. A possible way to extend grazing in this region is to use warm‐season grasses (WSGs) during summer to complement tall fescue. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the profitability and risk associated with grazing beef stocker cattle on five WSGs: a combination of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi Vitman) and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.; BI), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.; SG), eastern gamagrass, (Tripsacum dactyloides; EG), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.; BG), and crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis; CG). Data comes from a 3‐yr (2014–2016) grazing experiment at two locations in Tennessee. The results show that CG had the lowest expected net returns to grazing due to its high production cost, and a profit‐maximizing and risk averse producer would select grazing SG relative to the other forages. The study extends the literature by comparing the profitability and risk of native WSGs (BI, SG, EG), traditional WSG (BG), and annual WSG (CG). Furthermore, these results will be important in educating southeastern US beef cattle producers on using WSGs.