01. Creating a Commodity

Overview

Use this guide to create a new feed Commodity with its dry matter percentage, price per unit, and Price Effective Date so it's available across Feed Manager workflows in your feedlot operation.

Creating Commodities is an essential first step in the Onboarding process, as these records will be used throughout your Feed Manager system for ration formulation and cost tracking.

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Prerequisites

• Access to the Manage Commodities section of Feedlot Manager
• Understanding of the Commodity's dry matter percentage
• Current pricing information for the Commodity
• Important: A Scale Ticket will be required later to assign weight values to Commodities (see related article: "Creating a Scale Ticket")

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Navigate to Manage Commodities

1. From the main dashboard, click Commodities in the left sidebar menu
2. Select Manage Commodities from the submenu
3. Ensure you're on the Manage Commodities tab (active tab)

Screenshot Reference: This shows the Manage Commodities page with the main navigation breadcrumb (Home → Manage Commodities), active tabs including Manage Commodities, Adjustment History, Manage Contracts, and Open Scale Tickets. The page displays a data table with Commodity information and key UI elements including the Lbs/Tons Toggle in the top right and orange buttons for Commodity Pricing Report and Create New Commodity.

Step 2: Open the Create New Commodity Modal

1. Click the "Create New Commodity" button (orange background, located on the right side of the page)
2. The Create New Commodity modal will open, overlaying the current page

Screenshot Reference: This shows the Create New Commodity modal dialog overlaying the dimmed Manage Commodities page. The modal contains form fields for Commodity Name, Dry Matter %, Price Per with radio button selection, and Price Effective Date with a date picker.

Step 3: Complete the Commodity Information

*Fill out all required fields (marked with red asterisk ):

1. Enter Commodity Name:

• Click in the Enter Commodity Name field
• Type the name of your feed Commodity (e.g., "Corn Silage", "Alfalfa Hay")

2. Enter Dry Matter %:

• Click in the Enter Dry Matter % field
• Enter the dry matter percentage as a numeric value (e.g., 88, 40)

3. Set Price Information:

• Click in the Enter Price field
• Enter the price per unit as a decimal or whole number (e.g., 0.101, 0.075, 3.00, 5,45)
• Select price unit: Choose either Lbs or Tons using the radio buttons
• Note: Lbs is selected by default

4. Price Effective Date:

• The Price Effective Date field is pre-filled with today's date
• To change the date: Click the calendar icon and select your desired date
• Format: MM/DD/YYYY

Step 4: Submit the New Commodity

1. Review all information for accuracy
2. Click the "Submit" button (orange background, bottom right of modal)
3. The modal will close and your new Commodity will appear in the Commodities table

Alternative Actions:

• Click "Cancel" (dark navy button, bottom left) to discard changes
• Click the X icon (top-right corner) to close without saving

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Important Notes

Lbs/Tons Toggle Functionality

The Lbs/Tons Toggle at the top right of the Commodities list allows you to switch how weight values are displayed throughout the page.

• Selecting Lbs: Shows all weights in pounds
• Selecting Tons: Shows all weights in tons
• All related fields and totals on the screen will update automatically based on your selection

Scale Ticket Requirement

Important: In order for Commodities to hold weight values, a Scale Ticket will need to be entered for the Commodity. While creating a Scale Ticket is not required during initial Onboarding, you can return to complete this step later.

Show Inactive Option

Use the Show Inactive checkbox above the Commodity column to display inactive Commodities in your list when needed.

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Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

Problem: Cannot click Submit button

• Solution: Ensure all required fields (marked with *) are completed

Problem: Date format not accepted

• Solution: Use MM/DD/YYYY format or select date using the calendar picker

Problem: Price not saving correctly

• Solution: Verify you've selected the correct unit (Lbs or Tons) and entered the appropriate price according to your selection

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Related Articles

• Creating a Scale Ticket (Step 1.1) - Required to assign weight values to Commodities
• Commodity Pricing Report - Generate pricing reports for your Commodities
• Managing Feed Manager Workflows - Using your Commodities in ration formulation

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Next Steps

After creating your Commodity:

1. Create Scale Tickets to assign weight values (when inventory is received)
2. Access Commodity Pricing Report to track pricing trends
3. Use in Feed Manager workflows for ration planning and cost analysis
4. Review Adjustment History to track any inventory changes to your Commodities