The podcast features Stan Bevers, an expert in ranching economics, discussing key performance indicators and accounting principles to improve profitability. Topics include managing expenses, maximizing productivity, comparing managerial and tax accounting, utilizing fixed asset software for analysis, and maximizing revenue through data-driven decision-making in ranching operations.
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) can enhance ranch efficiency by isolating areas needing improvement.
Analyzing operational expenses like labor and equipment costs is vital for sustainable ranching.
Maintaining a balance between expenses and revenue is essential for long-term ranch sustainability.
Deep dives
Efficiency through Managerial Accounting
Utilizing managerial accounting techniques can lead to increased efficiency on ranches by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs). By isolating expenses into support, cost, and profit centers, ranchers can gain insights into areas needing improvement. For instance, monitoring labor costs per cow or overhead costs can help in making informed decisions to enhance profitability.
Analyzing Operational Expenses
Analyzing operational expenses like labor, equipment, and interest costs is crucial for sustainable ranching. Evaluating depreciation of assets provides a clearer picture of wealth building on a balance sheet. By segregating expenses into different categories and calculating overhead costs per unit, ranchers can better manage their financial resources.
Balancing Expenses and Revenue
Maintaining a balance between expenses and revenue is essential for long-term ranch sustainability. Understanding the impact of costs like labor and machinery maintenance on profitability is key. By calculating revenue sources and allocating costs efficiently, ranchers can make strategic decisions to optimize productivity and financial performance.
Efficiency of Ranching Operations
Efficiency in ranching operations is crucial for maximizing revenue. By utilizing data and information, ranchers can make informed decisions about factors like cow size and breeding strategies. Analyzing cost centers, such as raising replacement heifers and maintaining grazing areas, helps in understanding expenses and investments that contribute to overall profitability. Distinguishing between profit centers, like selling calves at weaning, and cost centers, such as maintaining cattle for production, allows for a strategic approach to ranch management. Implementing managerial accounting techniques, like classifying revenue and expenses accurately, aids in determining the efficiency and performance of the ranching operation.
Challenges in Implementing Accounting Practices in Ranching
While accounting practices are essential for building wealth and ensuring sustainability in ranching, there are challenges in their implementation. Ranchers often struggle with adapting to new accounting systems and acknowledging the need for data-driven decision-making. The historical influence and traditional practices in ranching sometimes hinder the adoption of modern accounting principles. Engaging with professionals, such as accountants or utilizing software like QuickBooks, can assist ranchers in structuring their financial data effectively. Overcoming resistance to change and recognizing the importance of monitoring expenses and revenue sources are critical steps in enhancing the financial management of ranching operations.
Stan Bevers worked for nearly 3 decades as an extension economist with Texas A&M University. He has also served as a professional consultant on hundreds of ranches from New Mexico to Montana.
He helped develop the Beef Cow-Calf SPA (Standardized Performance Analysis) program and uses Key Performance Indicators and accounting fundamentals to help various sized ranches increase profitability by improving their ability to make marketing and purchasing decisions.
www.ranchkpi.com stan@ranchkpi.com 940.886.7601
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode