Crop growers are not the only ones needing a risk management system this year. Farm analysts say now is the best time for cattle ranchers to check out their options.
“Some people are checking cattle at night. We’re calving heifers. We’re calving cows. Those calves are hitting the ground, and just think about if you could insure those cattle for today for, let’s just say, $1,600, and you’re spending about $50 to $60. Maybe you don’t want to spend that much. Maybe you want to insure that calf for $1,000 and spend $10 or $15. Those are some of the options that we could look at on those cattle that are hitting the ground right now,” said Clay Burtrum.
Butrum says at the end of the day, you want to make sure you keep yourself profitable while protecting the business for the next generation.
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.