herd contraction

Between drought and input costs, the beef industry nationwide is facing a variety of challenges.  The University of Idaho’s Phil Bass noted following the slowdowns from the pandemic, larger packing facilities are running at or near capacity which is good news moving product out to customers.  But when it c...

Consumers will likely have few meat selections at their local grocery in 2023, and U.S. production is forecast lower next year.   “The main reduction year-over-year in terms of meat supplies is coming from is coming from beef," according to USDA Outlook chairman Mark Jekanowski.  He added it’s...

The USDA said last week all cattle and calves between the United States and Canada combined to total 111 million head on July 1st, a 2% drop from the 113 million head on July 1 of last year.  All cows and heifers that have calved, at 44.5 million...

As many cattle producers are struggling with drought, its important to also use the situation to help plan for the future.  Rangeland and Ecology specialist, Dr. Laura Goodman, said there are several key things producers need to consider when it comes to developing a plan to address drought now.  ...

American shoppers struggling with inflation are looking at higher beef prices continuing in their local meat cases.  Because of high feed prices and severe drought, ranchers were forced to reduce their cattle herds.  Grain prices have dropped to their lowest levels since Russia invaded Ukraine, but Reuters says that might not mean lower food prices right away at the grocery store.  Corn fu... Read

In the 33 lines of summary in the USDA's early look at cattle numbers, the words "Down," or "Below" were used 17 times. The national numbers turned out lower than most industry annalists expected. Top of the summary, the inventory of all cattle and calf's in the U ...