Why is Oklahoma a top cow-calf state?

Oklahoma ranks second nationally in beef cow inventory with roughly 2.1 million head, driven by abundant native and improved pasture, a mild winter that reduces hay feeding days, and proximity to the Texas Panhandle feedlot complex.

What weaning percentage should Oklahoma ranchers assume?

OSU Extension cow-calf budgets assume an 85 to 88 percent weaned calf crop, with weaning weights of 525 to 550 lb for steers under typical Southern Plains forage conditions.

How do drought and hay costs affect OK profit?

Hay and purchased feed are the single largest variable cost in Oklahoma budgets; a drought year like 2022 pushed feed costs above $400 per cow and erased margins even before calf prices recovered.

Cow-calf profit per head in Oklahoma (2026) | Vellum

Cow-calf profit per head in Oklahoma

Oklahoma cow-calf operators averaged roughly $165 in net cash income per cow in 2024, though total economic profit after unpaid labor and capital charges remained near breakeven despite strong calf prices.

$165 net cash income per cow

Key figures

Gross revenue per cow	$1,185
Cash costs per cow	$1,020
Non-cash costs (labor, depreciation, capital)	$310
Net cash income per cow	$165
Total economic profit per cow	-$145

Oklahoma is the second largest beef cow state in the US with about 2.1 million beef cows, and USDA ERS classifies it inside the Southern Plains cow-calf region where 2024 gross value of production averaged near $1,185 per cow on the back of 500-550 lb feeder calves trading above $2.60 per pound for much of the year.

OSU Extension's 2024 spring-calving enterprise budget assumes an 87 percent weaned calf crop, 540 lb average weaning weight, and a 15 percent replacement rate, which together generate the revenue line above and leave roughly $165 per cow in net cash income after $1,020 of cash operating costs dominated by hay, purchased feed, and pasture lease.

The reason headline cash profit does not translate into positive economic profit is Oklahoma's cost structure: ERS Southern Plains data shows unpaid labor, depreciation on bulls and equipment, and capital recovery charges add about $310 per cow, so the total economic return sits near negative $145 per cow even in a strong price year, meaning operations only truly profit once owned land appreciation and tax treatment are layered in.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oklahoma a top cow-calf state?: Oklahoma ranks second nationally in beef cow inventory with roughly 2.1 million head, driven by abundant native and improved pasture, a mild winter that reduces hay feeding days, and proximity to the Texas Panhandle feedlot complex.
What weaning percentage should Oklahoma ranchers assume?: OSU Extension cow-calf budgets assume an 85 to 88 percent weaned calf crop, with weaning weights of 525 to 550 lb for steers under typical Southern Plains forage conditions.
How do drought and hay costs affect OK profit?: Hay and purchased feed are the single largest variable cost in Oklahoma budgets; a drought year like 2022 pushed feed costs above $400 per cow and erased margins even before calf prices recovered.

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Cow-calf profit per head in Oklahoma

Key figures

Frequently asked questions

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