October 20, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 10
An unanswered prayer led Dan Larson back to the ranch. He and wife Becky stepped away from their dream life of horse training for a new calling — to build the best Angus herd they could.
The summer video sale season has ended. The premiums have been tabulated. Every year producers ask if it is going to be “worth it” to do the enrollment paperwork. This year our enrollment numbers were down. When we asked why, most said, “The prices are really good, so we are going to skip taking the time to do the enrollment this year.”
While I agree prices have been good, this year’s premiums would have definitely boosted their bottom line even more if they would have taken those few extra hours to do the paperwork.
The first three quarters of 2022 saw beef production 1.7% higher than year-ago levels. Since the end of August, beef production has averaged a weekly year-over-year increase of 3.7%.
October 4, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 10
Raising the best beef requires providing the best management and care along with the best genetics possible. Producers across the country are going above and beyond, but are they getting paid for their extra time and effort?
If you are like me, you have a soft spot for tradition. I’m still not a big fan of four-wheelers and calf cradles. I like the tradition of doing things horseback. I take a lot of pride that we are one of the few industries left in which you can do a million-dollar deal and seal it with a handshake — no need for lawyers or contracts.
Looking at the supply side of the equation, there are good reasons why cattle folk would be optimistic about cattle price levels for the next few years. A few people have suggested prices might even exceed the record highs seen in 2014-2015. Others are more guarded. They question whether demand might weaken if inflation-weary consumers push back against higher retail beef prices.
