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Stocker and backgrounder cattle software: lot tracking, cost of gain, and closeouts

Buying feeder calves, running them on grass or in a lot, and selling them heavier is a different business than a breeding herd — LedgerBarn's Stocker Cattle module tracks it by the LOT, not the individual animal, the way the business actually runs.

1. Turn on Stocker CattleThis module only appears once it's switched on for your account — go to Admin → Settings and check "We buy & sell cattle (stocker / backgrounder)" under "What this farm does," then save. A Stocker Cattle tab appears in the Operations group.
2. Start a new lotClick "+ New lot." Enter the Purchase date, an optional Lot # (leave blank for an automatic one), Bought from, Head count, Gross weight for all head, Pencil shrink %, and either a Price ($/cwt) or a flat total. Freight in and a starting Pasture are optional. Click "Add lot."
3. Watch the live math as you typeThe form computes pay weight (gross weight after pencil shrink) and total cattle cost per head as you fill in the numbers — no separate calculator needed before you commit to a purchase.
4. Log costs as they happenOpen a lot and use the Costs section — pick a type (Feed, Pasture, Freight, Vet, Interest, Labor, Other), enter the amount, and click "+ Cost." Every dollar spent on the lot builds its running cost basis.
5. Record weigh-ins and death lossIn Weights & deaths, log an average weight with "+ Weigh" as you re-check the lot, or a head count with "+ Death" if you lose an animal. These feed the running average daily gain and an up-to-date breakeven price.
6. Sell — even partial loadsUnder Sales, click "+ Record sale" and enter head sold, gross weight, pencil shrink, $/cwt, selling costs, buyer, and date. Selling less than the full lot keeps it open; selling the last head closes it automatically.
7. Add LRP price coverage if you use itIf you've bought Livestock Risk Protection on the lot, log it under LRP price insurance — head covered, floor price, end date, and premium. When the coverage period ends, "settle" it and enter any indemnity paid.
8. Pull the closeout reportOnce a lot is closed (or any time you want a snapshot), click "Closeout report" for a printable page with the full cost breakdown, sales, and profit — ready to hand to a lender or keep for your own records.
9. Post straight to your booksIf you're on the Farm + Books & Payroll plan, a "post to books" button appears next to purchases, costs, and sales — pick an account and confirm, and it becomes a real, Schedule-F-lined transaction. Nothing posts silently.