Spending money wisely on any livestock operation is a critical component of long-term profitability. Swine producers have many options on where they spend dollars allocated for inputs. Carthage Veterinary Services out of Illinois says investment in risk management strategies via feed inputs should not be overlooked.

Data shows the average cost of feeding a pig from feeder to finish is $66. Roughly $7.29 of that goes toward additives, and the other $58.71 is for major grains such as corn, soybean meal, and fat. Strategy and forward-thinking on how that 89% spent on feed is used can go a long way in mitigating risk. The veterinary office reports that more producers are participating in risk-management activities with both corn and soybean meal than just five years ago. Working with a marketing advisor and considering hedging can go a long way in trimming feed costs.

Read more on swine feeding strategies here.