NWFCS: Cattle Expected To Be Profitable Dairy Break Even

As we continue to look at Northwest Farm Credit Services snapshot on the 2017 season, we turn to livestock.  Karen Witt, Vice President at Northwest Farm Credit Services says cattle producers are expected to be slightly profitable this year.

“Strong calf prices are fueled by strong demand and growing beef exports. Producers who market calves in the fall have a profitable opportunity as prices rally.”

Wii said dairy producers, meanwhile, are operating at the break-even point.

“From July to August, the U.S. dairy herd growth paused for the first time in a year. The USDA’s forecast supports slight optimism, projecting an all-milk price between $17.70 and $17.90 per hundredweight in 2017.”

Witt said, like several other sectors, labor supply and expense continue to weigh heavily on Northwest dairy producers.

Join us Monday as we conclude our series with hay and timber products.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com