There are some encouraging signs for the beef cattle herd

There is still a long way to go before the cattle herd starts heading in a positive direction but analyst Lance Zimmerman with Rabo AgriFinance says there are several encouraging signs.

“I would imagine because we do have some of that incentive out there to try and rebuild these herds. We’ve had good rain in certain areas. We’ve rebuilt hay supplies in some areas where it was awfully tight through the central plains this past year. We’ll start to see that number bottoming out earlier than the beef cow number, but we still have a ways to go before we see it trending strongly in a positive direction.”

Zimmerman says he expects the next round of calves to be very high quality and will help grow demand moving forward.

Related Stories
Tight cattle supplies should keep beef prices supported, while dairy, pork, and poultry are poised for greater production growth.
China’s pledge is supportive, but producers need confirmed sales and shipments before counting it as stronger export demand.
Cattle producers met with lawmakers to discuss the issues continuing to impact ranchers across the country.
Founder Jon Mollhagen says automation continues playing a larger role in reducing labor demands and animal stress.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
The Livestock Conservancy says protecting rare breeds helps preserve genetic diversity and long-term agricultural resilience.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Joana Colussi says differences in input costs, trade conditions, and second-crop risks continue shaping profitability in both countries.
The Perrier family says maintaining herd quality has helped keep the operation strong.
RFD-TV’s Memorial Day Music Marathon is designed to celebrate America’s musical traditions while honoring the spirit of the holiday with performances rooted in country, gospel, and bluegrass.
Current estimates are already hovering around 80 weeks.
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.
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.