ABSTRACT
Some observers in the market have begun to raise questions about the relative efficiency of the High Plains cattle-feeding area vs the Corn Belt area As of early 1983, the High Plains area still appeared to hold a slight advantage with regard to overall cost competitiveness and profitability. Measuring the general profitability and competitiveness of any agricultural enterprise by state, region, or even by individual firms, is a difficult task. The USDA has maintained "representative" budgets of Corn Belt and Great Plains feedlots. The feedlots classified as High Plains feedlots were concentrated in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, and in southeastern Colorado and southwestern Kansas. Many High Plains feeder cattle are shipped in from the southeastern US and hence carry significant freight bills. A significant factor contributing to this was a greater improvement in feed conversion efficiency in the High Plains. Corn Belt placement weights and slaughter weights have both traditionally been heavier than those in the High Plains.
