This may be the best overall measurement of efficiency we have readily available. If you have answered yes to all or most of these questions, you should be able to get reasonably accurate estimates of your annual cow maintenance cost, and be able to make sound marketing decisions concerning your cattle. Without these records, your marketing decisions are simply your best guess at the time.
Organization is the key to keeping accurate records.
Make sure you or your employees obtain receipts for all purchases related to your farm. Designate a location where those receipts are placed and retrieve them weekly or monthly to enter in your ledger or records program. Numerous software programs are available to maintain such records if you have a personal computer. Carry your pocket calendar daily to make entries as described above and summarize those notes at the same weekly or monthly intervals. Obtain access to accurate scales for weighing calves and cows.