A total of 3.6 tons of alfalfa is fed. The ewes also receive two pounds of whole shelled corn per head per day, requiring 3,600 pounds of grain. Total annual corn requirement is 5,850 pounds of grain, or about 105 bushels of grain. Lambs are creep fed as early as possible. Throughout the year, loose salt and minerals are made available.
Health care includes deworming, vaccinations, and veterinary services.
The cost of bagging the wool is included in the shearing cost. The market was assumed to be 50 miles from the farm. The final variable expense included is interest on operating capital. This net return above variable expenses is available to pay the fixed factors of production, including land, labor, management, and long-term capital. Fixed Expenses Fixed expenses shown in Table 2 include depreciation, interest, and repairs on buildings and equipment, plus depreciation and interest on livestock.