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Industry Insights

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Ag TRENDS Articles

Cattle

Jan 26, 2024, 10:52 AM
Title : Cattle
Short description : Industry information for Cattle in the Pacific Northwest. Updated 3/31/2024
Survey link : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CattleSnapshot
AgWest Farm Credit’s 12-month outlook for cattle suggests profitable returns for cow-calf producers and slightly profitable returns for cattle feeders.

  • The U.S. cattle industry is experiencing a significant decline, with the smallest herd since 1951, leading to tighter beef supplies and higher prices
  • Cattle producers are poised to see advantageous pricing and strong returns due to a reduced beef supply
  • Strong domestic and export demand

Profitability

AgWest cattle producers are poised to see advantageous pricing and strong returns. With the current market conditions, cow-calf producers are presented with a favorable dilemma: retain their cows to benefit from strong calf prices or opt for culling to take advantage of the significant value of cull cows. Additionally, cow-calf operations will benefit from lower feed costs and improvements in pasture conditions. While higher interest rates, almost double those of the last expansion period (2013-2015), do pose a challenge, revenues will surpass the rise in input costs. Cow-calf operations are projected to see margins surpassing $500 per head in 2024. As the cattle cycle replenishes the national herd, cow-calf producers should benefit from sustained high prices until at least 2025.

 



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