News  Agriculture  Livestock

Optimism is coming back to the cattle industry after years of ups and downs

April 17, 2025 10:39 AM • 
RFD NEWS STAFF, Currey McCullough

Despite record cattle prices, ranchers face rising costs, all with slowing herd expansion. However, after years of hardship, optimism is returning as ranchers prepare for future challenges.

Video provided by: Arkansas Farm Bureau

Related Stories
Crop Progress Graphic
Agriculture
RFD News Weekly Crop Progress and Livestock Production Update — Monday, March 16, 2026
Spring Fieldwork Expands Amid Mixed Weather Nationwide
March 16, 2026 05:20 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
SELECTS_FARMHER_ 19_12_19_USA_ALL_VARIOUS_0171.jpg
Rural Lifestyle
Women in Ag Spotlight: Ag Women Connect Founder Vanessa Wood
Vanessa Wood shares more about Ag Women Connect, the importance of uplifting women in agriculture, and upcoming projects designed to highlight stories across rural America.
March 16, 2026 03:31 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
overhead shot of a pig eating slop_Cristen Clark_FarmHER S1_Ep 11
Trade
U.S. Pork Exports Strengthen Global Market Outlook While Beef Variety Meat Values Hold Steady
Strong exports support cattle and hog market fundamentals.
March 16, 2026 02:56 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Concrete slab with large cracks, flags of the USA and China. Abstract concept of a break in relations and conflict problems.
Trade
U.S.-China Talks Spotlight Agriculture Without New Commitments
Watch China’s demand signals for export direction.
Shaun Haney joined RFD News to discuss the potential impact of the Trump-Xi summit uncertainty, ongoing agricultural trade talks, and why geopolitical developments could carry important implications for farmers and global commodity markets.
March 16, 2026 12:38 PM
 · 
Tony St. James
2w5n7m9u.jpg
News
Thousands of JBS Workers Begin to Strike in Colorado as They Urge for Better Pay and Benefits
March 16, 2026 10:11 AM
 · 
Currey McCullough
Concrete slab with large cracks, flags of the USA and China. Abstract concept of a break in relations and conflict problems.
Trade
China Protein Demand Growth Offsets Grain Declines
Rising protein demand supports long-term trade in feed and meat.
March 15, 2026 05:00 AM
 · 
Tony St. James
Load More

Cattle
RFD NEWS STAFF
RFD NEWS STAFF

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

hfdounu6.jpg
Machinery
TYM Celebrates 75 Years with New Tractors and NASCAR Truck Series Partnership
TYM North America unveiled two new Series 5 tractor models at the National Farm Machinery Show and announced an exciting new partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
March 16, 2026 04:46 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Soybean plants growing in a field backlit by the sun
Markets
ASA President: Boosting Domestic Demand for U.S. Crops Critical for Long-Term Soybean Market Stability
American Soybean Association President Scott Metzger discusses his recent testimony before the Senate Ag Committee, key priorities for soy growers, and his outlook for farmers into spring planting.
March 16, 2026 04:36 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
0G4A4234.jpg
FFA Today
FFA Today: FFA’s First ‘Next Gen Conference’ Held in Raleigh With Two More Coming This Year
FFA Program Specialist Ashli Weinrich highlights how the FFA Next Gen Conference helps ag students explore career opportunities and build skills for the future.
March 16, 2026 03:59 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
synthetic fertilizers_ag revolution 22148795_G.jpeg
AFBF: Global Shipping Disruptions Threaten Fertilizer Supplies Ahead of Planting
StoneX Director of Fertilizer Josh Linville looks at fertilizer market volatility, potential impacts on planting decisions, and what farmers should watch as the global situation in the Middle East continues to unfold.
March 16, 2026 02:35 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
american flag wheat sunset_adobe stock.png
U.S. Farm Bill
Farm Bill Debate Continues As Rising Federal Debt Pressures Agriculture
House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
March 16, 2026 01:01 PM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
diesel.jpg
Trade
Diesel Prices Keep Rising as Middle East Tensions Continue
Kansas State University agricultural economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl discusses rising diesel prices, the influence of global oil markets, and the potential impact on farmers heading into the spring planting season.
March 16, 2026 11:21 AM
 · 
Marion Kirkpatrick
Load More
Agriculture Shows
CLAAS-OutsideCorporateBuilding_1920x1080.jpg
TopCrop_CombineWLogo_1920x1080.jpg
ChampionsOfRuralAmerica_Header-v01b_1920x1080.jpg
Agri-PulseNewsmakers_HdrWLogo_20250307_1920x1080.jpg
CLAAS: Made for More
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
Top Crop
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Agri-Pulse Newsmakers
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.