Understanding Cost Per Head: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Understanding Cost Per Head: Why It Matters More Than Ever

January 12, 2026

In today’s farming economy, understanding what each animal really costs to keep is vital for sustainable small farming. Rising prices for feed, bedding, fuel, and vet inputs mean that simply knowing how many animals you have is no longer enough. Cost per head turns all those daily expenses into a clear figure you can track and compare over time. This helps with pricing, budgeting, seasonal planning (especially winter), and spotting areas where savings are possible.

At its core, cost per head is your total livestock costs divided by the number of animals you’re feeding over a specific period. On small farms this typically includes feed and forage, veterinary treatments, bedding, and replacements — although some farms choose to factor in fixed costs like housing and equipment. Even a basic per-head figure teaches you how much you spend per animal and helps you react quickly when prices change.

Typical UK Feed & Forage Costs (Guidelines)

Below is a selection of common UK feed and forage items to help you estimate costs when working out cost per head. These are guide estimates — always check local suppliers for current prices.

Basic Forage (hay & straw)

  • Small rectangular hay bale (15–25 kg) — ~£5–£15 per bale depending on quality and region. HomeAndKitchenBlog

  • Big bale hay (by weight) — ~£130–£140 per tonne (approximate merchant ex-farm averages) for big bale hay. AHDB

  • Straw (big bale) — ~£90–£95 per tonne for barley straw. AHDB

Poultry Feeds

  • Chick crumb (20 kg bag) — ~£12 (starter feed for chicks). FeedWise Ltd

  • Rearer pellet (20 kg) — ~£10–£11. FeedWise Ltd

  • Layer pellet (20 kg) — ~£8.50–£9.75 per bag. FeedWise Ltd

Concentrates & Compound Feeds
(Indicative per tonne ranges for general livestock — actual products vary by formulation and supplier)

  • Sheep nuts / sheep feed — commonly around £320–£480 per tonne depending on protein content and type. Dominate Dental

  • Cattle feed / supplements — typical range could be £280–£420 per tonne. Dominate Dental

  • Pig grower/finisher feeds — often similar ballparks of £450–£750 per tonne depending on growth stage and bulk purchase. NIOPA

Note: Official data shows ongoing updates to compound feed and straight feed prices in Great Britain, which reflect market changes and seasonal variation. GOV.UK

These figures help you build realistic daily or weekly feed cost estimates per animal group. For example, knowing a bag of layer pellets costs ~£9 and a hen eats ~120–150 g of feed daily allows you to estimate weekly costs per bird.

Why This Matters for Each Species

Cattle & Sheep
For larger stock, forage (silage/hay) often makes up the biggest share of winter costs. Knowing bale prices lets you estimate how many bales you’ll need per head, and therefore your per-head winter forage cost. Combined with concentrates, this becomes the backbone of your per-head budget.

Pigs
Feed dominates cost per head for pigs. Small changes in feed price, feed conversion, or wastage can have a big impact. Using typical pig feed prices helps spot inefficient batches early.

Chickens
Even though poultry have lower individual value, feed costs still add up fast. Estimating cost per bird using guide prices for chick crumb and layer pellets helps keep egg or meat production profitable.

Turning Numbers Into Decisions

Once you’ve estimated typical costs for feeds and forage, apply them to your flock or herd over the time period you want to measure (weekly, monthly, or seasonally). This lets you:

  • Compare actual vs budgeted spending.

  • Spot months or groups where costs spike.

  • Test the impact of switching feeds or sourcing bulk forage early.

  • Justify management decisions such as culling or adjusting flock/herd size.

Many UK smallholders find that using simple digital tools — like those on farm-manager.co.uk — makes this calculation easier. Linking your livestock numbers with feed costs and usage lets you monitor your cost per head in real time and make informed choices without wading through paperwork.

Understanding cost per head isn’t about precision accounting — it’s about clear, actionable insight. In a world of unpredictable prices, that clarity can make the difference between profit and loss.