Whether the market is as strong as it has been recently or in a slump, the health and growth of calves are critical to long-term success. Producers need to adapt their strategies to ensure they maintain profitability as best possible.

When looking at your balance sheet, one of the big questions to ask is: How hard is your debt working for you? That is, are you making money on what you have borrowed from others? We often look to the numerator first to see what is happening there. Revenue is a great place to start, but we also need to look at the debt schedule. 

Early indicators and predictions show that the beef industry is slowly considering rebuilding the herd. Fewer heifers are being placed on feed and many producers’ current stocking rates are so low that they have nowhere to go but up in numbers.

With respect to cattle inventories and price levels for both cattle and beef, the cattle industry is experiencing unprecedented times. Certainly, there have been swings both upward and downward in the feeder calf market, but prices have generally been historically high the past couple years, with the same expectations for 2025 and 2026. 

Reflecting on 2024’s progress, Ron Baruchi, CEO of Agmatix, explores how these advancements shape the future of global agricultural innovation, turning potential into practical, impactful change.

Sustainability can go in many directions, but there’s a sense that all the directions eventually lead to the same destination. As we ring in yet another new year, it seems like an appropriate time to map out the buffet of sustainability. So grab a fresh plate and get in the line as we review the options.

The reasons dairy farm families continue to invest and grow are rooted in the nature of dairy farmers and fundamental economic drivers. It is important to understand the drivers for investment decisions – both for planning on your own farm and for the industry overall.