The cattle markets bring a mix optimistic and caution news. Fed cattle prices are at levels not seen since mid-2015. The substantial heifer composition of FI fed slaughter and the reasonably aggressive beef cow slaughter and liquidation clearly communicates the tightening future beef supplies.

The latest Cattle on Feed report showed a record April feedlot inventory of 12.1 million head, up 1.7% year over year. The quarterly inventory of steers on feed was up 1.8% year over year, while the inventory of heifers on feed was up 1.7% over one year ago.

In this episode, David and Carrie visit with meteorologist Matt Makens about what Mother Nature has in store for producers this year. All indications point to a La Nina-leaning neutral year for weather, which means the drought in the West will persist, and that the timing of precipitation will be critical for crop farmers this year, especially the Corn Belt. Makens also goes into more detail on how weather patterns are analyzed and forecasts are made. Also, Carrie, Paul and production editor Sarah Hernandez share their favorite – or least favorite – things about springtime.

One of the most stressful stages in the life of a beef calf is weaning. During the weaning process, calves are separated from their dam and often experience additional unfamiliar events such as vaccinations, castration, dehorning, dietary and environmental changes.

“Was anything discussed on how to reduce beef’s impact on climate change?” His question caught me off guard.

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Jon Tester (D-Montana) and Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) released on March 28 an updated version of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, first introduced in November 2021.