1. K-State Research & Extension Optimal Hog Marketing Weights James Mintert, Ph.D. Professor Department of Agricultural Economics Kansas State University

2. K-State Research & Extension Hogs Have Been Getting Heavier for A Long Time

3. K-State Research & Extension Why Have Weights Gotten Heavier? 1.Technology –Genetics –Feeding regimens 2.BECAUSE ITS PROFITABLE

4. K-State Research & Extension How Does Weight Impact Returns? Three keys to examining impact of weightThree keys to examining impact of weight –More pounds –Sort Loss –Lean Premiums

5. K-State Research & Extension Sort Loss Is Highly Correlated With Weight

6. K-State Research & Extension Lean Premiums Are Also Correlated With Weight

7. K-State Research & Extension Adding Model Results for Lean & Sort

8. K-State Research & Extension Expected Net Prices At Various Weights

9. K-State Research & Extension Premium/Discount Schedules Vary By Firm

10. K-State Research & Extension Which Changes Weight-Net Price Relationship

11. K-State Research & Extension Expected Net Prices Vary Across Firms

12. K-State Research & Extension Economic Principles Goal is to maximize profits Determine marginal revenue for a weight changeDetermine marginal revenue for a weight change Determine marginal costs for a weight changeDetermine marginal costs for a weight change Maximize profit whenMaximize profit when Marginal revenue = marginal cost

13. K-State Research & Extension Compute Marginal Revenue At each weight Estimate base carcass valueEstimate base carcass value Estimate expected sort lossEstimate expected sort loss Estimate expected lean premiumEstimate expected lean premium Base + sort + premium =Base + sort + premium = Exp. Net Carcass Value Calculate revenue gain for additional pound of gain

14. K-State Research & Extension Compute Marginal Cost Pounds of feed per lb. of gainPounds of feed per lb. of gain –Increases as weight rises Feed cost per lb.Feed cost per lb. # of feed X cost/lb = marginal cost# of feed X cost/lb = marginal cost

15. K-State Research & Extension Profit Is Maximized When Marginal Revenue Equals Marginal Cost

16. K-State Research & Extension Optimal Weight Declines When Base Price Falls

17. K-State Research & Extension Higher Feed Prices Reduce Optimal Weight

18. K-State Research & Extension Estimating Your Optimal Weight Use your kill sheet data to estimate relationship between weight andUse your kill sheet data to estimate relationship between weight and –Sort loss –Lean premium Use models to predict sort loss and lean premium at each weightUse models to predict sort loss and lean premium at each weight Calculate expected marginal revenue for a one lb. weight gainCalculate expected marginal revenue for a one lb. weight gain

19. K-State Research & Extension Estimating Your Optimal Weight Estimate your marginal costsEstimate your marginal costs Know your costsKnow your costs Key is feed costsKey is feed costs –Pounds of feed per lb. of gain –Cost per lb. of feed Other variable costs per lb. of gainOther variable costs per lb. of gain Compare your expected marginal costs to your expected marginal returnsCompare your expected marginal costs to your expected marginal returns Profit Max occurs when MR = MCProfit Max occurs when MR = MC

20. K-State Research & Extension Next Step Development of a downloadable spread sheet toolDevelopment of a downloadable spread sheet tool

21. Thank You