In this investigation, production and market related factors which affect profitability and risk of beef production systems on Cenchrus ciliaris pastures were evaluated by using stochastic simulation. The results indicate that beef producers can influence their income considerably by adequately considering the following in their production and marketing strategies: Cyclical and seasonal beef price fluctuations, price differentials among markets and certain animal characteristics (age, grade and mass). In addition opportunity costs, interest and risk of market access materially affect both profitability and risk of a beef production system. Beef producers should adapt their production and marketing strategies to economic realities in order to achieve optimum results.