I need to clarify the data behind my comment. Earned net returns varies dramatically from herd to herd. Net returns here is defined as the earn returns to unpaid family and operator labor, management, and equity capital. Not all herds shared in this kind of returns. Individual herds varied even more.
Some herds seem to be doing considerably better than others.
Yes, I am suggesting that the high-cost herd managers need to increase their management power. In no way do I mean to subtract from management efforts to increase market prices received. Profit is gross revenue minus costs. Both enter into the final profit of a beef cow herd. It is my belief, however, that a manager can do more about costs of production than he can about market prices.