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.
Nearly 50,000 cattle impacted as producers search for feed and recovery options
April 01, 2026 11:31 AM
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Michael Cliver discusses his recent visit to the White House with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Trump Administration’s “Working Families Tax Cuts” impact on ranching families.
April 01, 2026 11:30 AM
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The memorandum of understanding (MOU) builds on the USDA’s Grazing Action Plan and is designed to improve coordination, streamline permitting, and strengthen partnerships with ranchers who rely on public lands.
April 01, 2026 10:41 AM
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Secretary Rollins is signaling a possible reopening of the southern border to Mexican feeder cattle as officials work to manage the threat of the New World Screwworm.
March 31, 2026 03:27 PM
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New partnership focuses on rebuilding habitat for quail across the south
March 31, 2026 02:31 PM
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Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us to discuss wildfire recovery efforts in the state, impacts to agriculture, and conditions heading into the spring planting season.
March 31, 2026 02:26 PM
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