Cattle prices have been supportive lately, but one auction barn owner says there is one issue facing the industry that goes beyond the market.
“Getting the younger generation to come back in and we’ve definitely got to be profitable for them to be interested in coming back to these farms and ranches, so I think that’s one of the biggest factors today is to make sure that we can get those young people back to the farms and ranches,” said Justin Tupper.
Tupper says, fundamentally, he feels the industry is in a good spot. He says they are just hoping to hold the market and let fundamentals run their course.
Related Stories
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.
Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
Cattle markets are watching the Cattle-on-Feed Report for signs of tighter supplies, while USMEF warns limited China access is cutting producer profits.
Lower milk prices may pressure margins, but strong cattle values could soften near-term financial impacts.
The Pet and Livestock Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Analysts say that while low-income households are facing financial pressures, other middle- and higher-income consumers are helping fill the gap for retail beef demand.