Currently, the database is being refined with tentative plans for the CD to be available for purchase at the 2000 NCBA Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Initially developed by the extension service to provide producers with timely information, ADDS, Inc. is a non-profit organization comprised of representatives from livestock industry groups to develop, market, distribute, and maintain databases for the livestock sector. On July 1, ADDS, Inc. assumed the responsibilities of creating industry information databases previously performed by the University of Wisconsin. These CD virtual libraries provide research-based information for beef, dairy, pork, lamb, catfish and goat producers. In the future, the various industry information databases provided on CD also will be available electronically on the Internet.
Most manufacturers know their unit cost of production.
Thus, they know the profit potential of their business at any given time. In the beef industry, the feedlot and packer segments know their unit cost of production, but often times cow-calf and stocker operators do not have a good handle on costs. Here are some estimated costs for various segments in the beef industry. A cow-calf producer may retain ownership by partnering with a feedlot. Small beef producers might pool their calves with neighbors to enhance their marketing opportunities.