One thing I get out of this thread is that the"tips" that make you a low cost producer vary widely by the size of your operation. Chopping vs baling/wrapping for instance. I've over-wintered around 60 head the past few years. Not this year due to drought etc. Hired chopping and bagging corn for a couple years. Hired it done. Can't get anyone to do small acreage on a timely basis anymore. 

Mowing, raking, baling and wrapping hay I can do by myself on a relatively timely basis with owned and depreciated equipment. I can not afford to hire help.

There are few tips that will fit all the varied size and type of operations and locations represented here.