All month, we are celebrating cattle producers in honor of National Beef Month, which just so happens to coincide with calving season.
So, we wanted to check in with a fifth-generation Idaho rancher for an update.
Ryan Bedke of Hat Brand Beef spoke with RFD-TV’s own Suzanne Alexander about his operation, how this season went, and what to expect moving forward.
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Winter Weather, Drought Shape Early 2026 Farm Conditions
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
