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 Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
November 05, 2025 10:18 AM
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Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
November 04, 2025 01:45 PM
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Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.
November 04, 2025 12:19 PM
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An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
November 03, 2025 12:07 PM
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America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.
November 01, 2025 09:01 AM
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High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
November 01, 2025 06:54 AM
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