Inputs, Politics Top Issues At ICA’s Summer Roundup

The Idaho Cattle Association held its annual summer meeting in Pocatello last month.  The two-day meeting featured sessions on a variety of topics, as well as an annual Range Tour, brining producers and agencies together.  Cameron Mulrony, Executive Vice President of the ICA says two of the most popular topics on the minds of producers focuses on input costs as well as the political landscape in Idaho.

“You know, we’re past the primary elections, but we have redistricting.  We’re going to see most likely up to 50% new legislators this year, based on what comes out of the general election in the fall.  So, there was a lot of discussion around that.  And as people are coming to our state, how do we position ourselves to protect our industry and the open space that makes these ranches and ranching communities function?”

When it comes to issues producers will watch in the back half of 2022, Mulrony says everyone is watching the cost of doing business.

“You know, as we look at higher input costs, and you know we are tracking a little better calf price this fall, but the question is is that enough to cover the margin.  You know, we can have $2 calves but if our input costs increase to the point that we can’t sustain the margin we need to be in business, that’s an issue.”

Mulrony noted the ICA is encouraged by the additional processing capacity coming on-line this fall.  And he said he will be interested to see how that impacts the industry across the state and across the PNW.

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