With a theme of “Dialing It In,” the 2025 Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) Business Conference drew inspiration from the steady movement of a sundial to encourage dairy producers to align their efforts with purpose and intention. In the opening session, three experts in the fields of geopolitics, markets and weather joined together to help dairy producers see the forces behind the unpredictable parts of agriculture.

The current business climate of high interest rates and ongoing inflation is challenging. It requires business owners to be proactive and strategic with cash management, debt management and requires an overall increased focus on every aspect of the business.

Join the whole Progressive Cattle crew – David, Paul, Tyrell, Carrie and Abby – as they enjoy the Cassia County Fair in southern Idaho. They speak with Ryan Udy about the experiences of being a junior exhibitor at the county fair and all the fun that comes with it. Abby also interviews Elliott Dennis, from University of Nebraska – Lincoln, as they compare the cattle market in 2024 versus 2014 and discuss how producers can make the decision to cull, maintain or expand this fall.

Cow-calf producers are expected to make $709 per cow over cash costs, including pasture, in 2024. These levels are nearly identical to the inflation-adjusted highs experienced by producers in 2014 ($534 in 2014 dollars, $708 in 2024 dollars).

Is a $15 breakeven possible for a dairy farming business in 2024, given increases in input costs and inflation? Others may have their doubts, but I am a firm “yes.”

Despite anticipating record-high calf values, the beef industry will start feeling the pinch of tight fed cattle supplies coming in the next year, Kevin Good, vice president of market analysis at CattleFax, told attendees at the 2024 CattleFax Industry Outlook Seminar, held on Feb. 2.