For those of you that run a substantial number of mother cows, what percent of your calf check do you generally budget for inputs? Given my summer internship, I am looking to lease my first tract of personal ground by this fall. Although I may not start with a cow/calf operation, I would like to gain an idea of the general cost of the calf crop that inputs in terms of hay, fence, etc. will take.
Also, how many of you utilize electric fence on your outfit? I am looking to learn a lot more about that this summer as it relates to stocker calves, but I'm curious if it also applies as a useful fence for cows and calves on a bigger outfit.