Beef Cattle Standard Performance Analysis (SPA)
The Beef Cow-calf Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) offers a unique opportunity for cow-calf producers of any size in the Southwest.Initiated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) producer-led effort, SPA is designed to help cow-calf producers reduce their cost of production and improve their production and marketing efficiency.
The SPA methodology was developed because no standardized method of performance analysis existed in the cow-calf industry. The objective of SPA is to help cow-calf producers achieve their goals by effectively analyzing their production and financial performance. Participants complete an in-depth financial and production analysis of their cow herd, with the help of Extension faculty, using the standard methodology.
Opportunities for change within the beef herd begin with learning where you are. Once these areas of opportunities, weaknesses and vulnerability are identified, then you can find ways to get where you want to be. The SPA analysis is the place to start.
The Extension Agricultural Economics group within Texas AgriLife Extension leads this effort. Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico have a reputation for leading the U.S. in SPA analyses. Currently, data for approximately 356,000 cows from 529 Southwest herds are summarized within the Southwest SPA database.
Interested cow-calf producers can find more information at the Texas SPA website http://agrisk.tamu.edu