Recent spikes in commodity prices have led to higher margin amounts and option premiums. For the most part, producers have always attributed their lack of use in reducing risk via futures and options markets to the high cost associated with the use of these markets. This study determines the...

This case study uses current dynamics in the U.S. beef cattle industry to illustrate the use of financial analysis tools such as net present value in making investment decisions. Two problems face the livestock producer in this case study: 1) should the producer purchase replacement females or...