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.
New Fed surveys show farmland values remain historically high, though some Upper Midwest markets are beginning to soften.
IDA Texas’s Cooper Little discusses producer response to New World Screwworm in Texas, ongoing coordination with animal health officials, and the steps being taken to manage and protect livestock movement across the region.
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez says producers are concerned about the potential impact on cattle operations and livestock values.
Merck Animal Health shared insights on calf health at the Moly Manufacturing Beef and Greet.
Dr. Patrick Webb, Assistant Chief Veterinarian with the National Pork Board, discusses New World Screwworm biosecurity outside of cattle production.
President Trump’s appearance in Wisconsin coincides with National Dairy Month, placing additional attention on one of the nation’s leading dairy-producing states.
