We are seeing a disturbing trend in small to mid-sized feeder lots.
They are sitting empty, while the packer-owned lots are running at full capacity. R-Calf USA CEO Bill Bullard warns that it could lead to a decline in independent farm feeders.
“We have extremely high prices because of the incredibly tight supplies, and that means the feeder cattle that would be moving into feed lots are in short supply, and so those prices have skyrocketed to never-before-seen prices. However, the fat cattle market is not keeping pace with the feeder cattle markets. That means there are a lot of independent feeders out there that would like to. Fill their feed yards, but they can’t pencil out a profit, nor can they hedge their purchases.”
Bullard adds that this situation could further reduce market outlets for cow-calf and yearling operators.
The annual corn maze brings visitors to the farm while helping support its cattle and crop operation.
October 24, 2026 04:33 PM
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President Donald J. Trump announced the launch of the America First Seafood Strategy (PDF, 11.4 MB) and several actions the Trump Administration is taking to support the American seafood industry.
October 23, 2026 07:37 PM
September placements totaled 1.777 million head, down 12 percent from the previous year and the lowest September total since the series began in 1996.
October 23, 2026 03:44 PM
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The brand sold a record 63 million pounds of Prime beef even as fewer cattle qualified.
October 23, 2026 03:30 PM
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Texas Cattle Feeders Association says the extended closure took a toll on the state’s cattle industry.
October 23, 2026 02:00 PM
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Premieres Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 PM ET.
October 23, 2026 12:13 PM
