Growing Headwinds: One rancher is making the best of volatility and bringing in profits

Despite recent issues, cattle producers are holding steady right now.

One rancher says there is still money to be made, but notes it has been difficult.

“We continue to face extreme costs as it relates to fertilizer, of course, our insurance, and just anything you touch that’s in our space. Fortunately, good Lord willing, and that the creek doesn’t rise, we’ve got unbelievable markets right now,” said Carl Ray Polk.

Polk says his costs have risen consistently over the last few years. Market access has been a concern for some beef producers, with China now largely removed from the U.S. market.

Related Stories
New treatments offer hope, but challenges remain for beekeepers.
House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.
Higher cow numbers and slightly stronger output per cow pushed milk production above last year.
Rotational grazing can improve pasture use and soil health while helping control feed and drought-related risk.
Spring Weather Splits Conditions Across American Farm Country
Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Russia has carried out missile attacks across cities in Ukraine, including its capital Kyiv.
We hear about Carson’s passion for agriculture and music.
Like a greatest hits album, “TCR Classics: Bob’s Picks” is filled with some of TCR host Bob Phillips’ most cherished memories reporting on The Lone Star State with his wife, Kelli, for nearly three decades. Plus, the 16-episode series is available to stream for FREE on RFD-TV Now!
Her songs reflected her pride in her rural Kentucky background and made her a Country Music Hall of Famer.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.