THE FARM MILL
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Feed cost per head

Line up to four ingredients — as-fed pounds per head per day and price — and see daily and period cost per head (optional herd total). Not a full NRC ration model.

When to use

Use this for quick budget math: hay + grain + supplement costs on a per-head basis before you refine a balanced diet with a nutritionist.

Switch price units between $/ton and $/cwt (hundredweight). As-fed pounds should match how you weigh the feed offered.

Calculator

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How this is calculated

Cost per lb = price_per_ton / 2000, or price_per_cwt / 100. Daily $/head = sum (lb_i x cost_per_lb_i). Period = daily x days. Herd = period x head.

$/lb = $/ton / 2,000  or  $/cwt / 100
$/head/day = Σ (lb_i x $/lb_i)
$/head/period = $/head/day x days
herd $ = $/head/period x head

Does not check protein, energy, minerals, or intake limits — cost only.

Worked example

20 lb hay @ $180/ton (= $0.09/lb) + 8 lb grain @ $240/ton (= $0.12/lb) → 1.80 + 0.96 = $2.76 / head / day. Over 30 days → $82.80 / head; 50 head → $4,140.

Limits / assumptions

Assumptions: prices are as-fed delivered cost; pounds are as offered.

Limits: shrink, grinding fees, and waste not included unless baked into price or pounds.

Responsibility: budget aid only — not a substitute for a balanced ration from a qualified nutritionist.

FAQ

Is this an NRC balancer?

No — dollars only. Pair with lab tests and professional formulation.

Hay priced per bale?

Convert to $/ton using bale weight first (or $/lb x 2000).

Mineral packs?

Enter as feed 3 or 4 with small lb/day and its unit price.

Cwt vs ton?

1 ton = 20 cwt. Pick the unit that matches your invoice.