All month, we are celebrating cattle producers in honor of National Beef Month, and with Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, we now want to check in with a self-made RanchHer who is also a mom, wife, and well-respected community leader.
Mary Heffernan of Five Marys Ranch spoke with RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander about her operation, being a farm mom, and current conditions on the ranch.
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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.
