Reducing the percentage of P from 8% to 5% would save $150/ton. As with many decisions on the ranch, the weather and cow condition may impact whether or not such a reduction is feasible. If cows had access to sufficient green grass over the summer and P reserves in the cow's bones are full, then the reduction shouldn't hurt cow performance.

In fact, if a cow eats 3 oz. of mineral a day and P makes up about 1% of the mineral, the cutback in total supplemental P could save more than $5/exposed cow without losing performance. “But it would not be logical to reduce P when cows have had limited opportunity to graze green forage because a cow's stored P may be too low,” Mathis says.

Combining various cattle performance enhancements with efficient cost cuts may add $25 to the overall return per exposed cow. Tighter margins will likely require better management decisions ahead.

While changes in input costs must be considered against potential changes in cowherd performance, Mathis says, “The future sustainability of most cow-calf enterprises will likely depend on the ability of individual managers to make multiple small decisions that collectively keep costs low relative to the value of the weaned calves they produce.”

For more on SPA and how it can benefit your operation, go to http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-1979/AGEC-231web.pdf.

Larry Stalcup is a freelance writer based in Amarillo, TX.