MANHATTAN, Kan. (RFD-TV) — Strengthening the U.S. beef industry remains a top priority as the national cattle herd continues to sit at historically low levels. A new financial incentive — the restoration of 100 percent bonus depreciation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)— is now giving ranchers a fresh opportunity to rebuild their herds.
Roger McEowen with Kansas’ Washburn University School of Law, joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the policy means for cattle producers and how they can take advantage of the renewed tax provision.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, McEowen outlined how the restoration of bonus depreciation could help ranchers recover costs more quickly, particularly as they invest in heifer retention and herd expansion. He also shared considerations producers should keep in mind when planning herd growth strategies and long-term tax management.
Before wrapping up, McEowen weighed in on ongoing trade talks between the U.S. and China, noting that President Trump’s recent announcement of increased Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products — including soybeans — could have meaningful implications for American farmers once more details are finalized.
“That’s good for soybean farmers. It’s going to be good for the soybean market, in general. So we’ll see what happens going forward, but we’ve got an immediate commitment to buy 12 million [metric tons of soybeans].” McEowen said. “Now the downside of that, a skeptic would say, ‘Yeah, China was going to buy that all along. They just waited until the market went down, and they bought the 12 million on the cheap.’ But we did get some other concessions for that with respect to minerals and the like, so all in all, a pretty good deal.”
November 26, 2025 10:41 AM
Strong yields and higher cattle prices helped stabilize conditions, but weak crop prices and rising carryover debt remain major challenges for Eleventh District farmers.
November 25, 2025 02:55 PM
·
Jake Charleston, with Specialty Risk Insurance, joins us now for an industry update and advice for cattle producers as they consider options for managing the risks of a murky market.
November 25, 2025 01:26 PM
·
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.
November 25, 2025 01:09 PM
·
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
November 25, 2025 12:40 PM
·
Tyson’s Nebraska plant closure and falling Cattle on Feed numbers send cattle markets tumbling. Analysts warn of tighter supplies, weak margins, and rising global competition.
November 25, 2025 12:05 PM
·
A regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture, prepared by RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James, for the week of Monday, November 24, 2025.
November 24, 2025 02:56 PM
·
One trader said the products entering the U.S. are primarily grind and trim, noting that the volume and type of beef, on its own, should not cause a major disruption. However, he says fund traders are reacting heavily to headlines rather than market realities.
November 24, 2025 02:42 PM
·
Olivia Bury, AgriSafe Network Behavioral Health Coordinator, shares about AgriSafe Network’s resources created to support farmers and rural Americans.
November 24, 2025 01:04 PM
·
