Wyoming Livestock Roundup Nov. 8, 2025 Section B

Significant downward revisions to monthly payroll estimates in August led many market observers to anticipate the Federal Reserve would begin cutting interest rate cuts more aggressively.

However, recent economic data has generally been positive, tempering expectations for more significant cuts before the end of the year.

According to a new quarterly report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the most likely scenario is an additional four or five cuts of 25 basis points through 2026, leaving the overnight rate around three percent by the end of 2026.

The actual outcome will depend heavily on how the economic data looks and how successful the White House is in influencing monetary policy.

Tariff policy uncertainty, the sharp decline in immigration and the massive surge in artificial intelligence (AI) investments have made interpreting traditional economic reports more difficult.

The CoBank report suggests sharp swings in monthly import volumes, a flattening of working-age population growth and a soaring stock market make it difficult to gauge how “Main Street” America is doing economically.

U.S. economy

Personal consumption and unemployment rates, arguably the most important economic signals, have held steady in the face of ongoing uncertainty. However, other signs suggest the economy may be slowing.

Personal income growth, adjusted for inflation, has fallen from four percent in early 2024 to about two percent today. Consumers have responded by dipping into savings to maintain their spending, which cannot be sustained indefinitely.

While a potentially slowing economy and declining interest rates should put downward pressure on the dollar, the effect for U.S. agricultural exports has been muted.

Row crop exports have not experienced the ben-

efit of the weakening dollar relative to the currencies of America’s largest grain importers.

U.S. government

The government shutdown and lack of Congressional action are contributing to widespread political and economic uncertainty.

With no more funds to support most federal programs or pay many public servants, the suspension of most revenue-generating capabilities are halted and will likely negatively impact the economy as time goes on.

Meanwhile, the abundance of American agricultural commodities is no longer an asset but rather a liability for many U.S. farmers.

Tariffs have ultimately shut out American commodities to many countries.

The administration is expected to announce $10 to $15 billion in farm aid to struggling producers but this may be delayed because of the government shutdown.

Grains, farm supplies and biofuels

U.S. farmers are harvesting a record-large corn crop and the second-largest soybean crop in five years, following the largest wheat harvest in five years.

The supply abundance is welcome news for grain elevators looking to capture bigger carries in the futures market, but the record grain crop will strain U.S. storage and transportation infrastructure.

The demand outlook for U.S. grains remains clouded by geopolitical uncertainty.

Corn and wheat sales enter the fourth quarter historically strong, but soybean sales are abysmal due to the lack of Chinese purchases.

Low water levels on the Mississippi River threaten to slow grain and oilseed exports during peak shipping season.

Elevated crop input costs will further erode producer profitability during the current low commodity price cycle. Producers will likely reduce fall fertilizer applications and stall overall input purchases for 2026 due to higher prices.

Tariffs are also driving up input costs. The average tar-

iff on crop inputs imported to the U.S. has increased from one percent to nearly 12 percent, according to data published by North Dakota State University.

Fertilizer prices remain the biggest headwind for producers. Farmers will be reassessing and potentially reducing their usage rates of nitrogen, phospho-

rus and potassium. If farmers shift more applications to the spring, high seasonal demand could lead to supply chain hiccups.

Biofuel demand remains

a silver lining for the crop side of the agricultural economy, but the delay in regulatory policy on renewable volume obligations

Continued on next page

Adobe Stock photo

and small refinery exemption reallocation are casting a cloud over future demand.

Animal protein and dairy Dollar sales of retail ground beef grew by double digits in August, up 13 percent year-over-year at $1.7 billion, according to Circana.

While beef prices remain elevated on tight cattle supplies, persistent demand boosted overall sales and volume kept pace. Domestic cattle prices rose throughout much of the third quarter, setting new records and boosting returns to ranchers, but complicating beef mar-

ket dynamics otherwise. Beef packer margins struggled during the third quarter. Despite strong demand for beef, several factors are limiting production growth.

A slimming U.S. hog herd served to lift market prices. Price rallies for lean hog futures and feeder pigs persisted over the summer, settling at 20 percent and 48 percent higher year-overyear, respectively, in late September.

In August, farrowto-finish profit margins reached $52.58 per head,

Vermilion Ranch Vermilion Ranch

Selling Friday, November 28 at 1:00 PM

1,500 Fancy Commercial Angus Bred Heifers

One-Iron – Montana’s Best. Bred to Circle L Unified and Vermilion Leo, followed up by top performing Vermilion bulls. Bred to calve in February and March 2026.

100 Commercial Cow Dispersion

All 2018 born Commercial Angus Cows from the Diamond Ring Ranch to calve in April 2026.

the highest since June 2021, according to Iowa State University. Pork producers have now posted profits for 17 consecutive months.

Export demand has slowed slightly compared to 2024, which was a record export year for U.S. pork. Mexico remains the largest buyer of U.S. pork.

With beef prices hitting all-time highs, the U.S. broiler segment capitalized on the opportunity to provide consumers a value offering this summer. A strong focus on chicken at retail and foodservice boosted white meat values through August.

The quick-service restaurant segment featured a multitude of chicken options focused on strips and new flavors.

Softening white meat values during the remainder of the year are likely to crimp margins but will continue to position chicken as a competitive value offering in 2026.

Broiler production is expected to remain elevated through the end of 2025.

U.S. dairy farmers continue to enhance their revenue by producing calves destined for beef production. Beef’s contribution to the bottom line has moved from

at

150 Big, Stout Coming Two-Year-Olds

Jameson, Conclusion, Long Teton, Leo, Rise Above and top Vermilion Sires.

All 2018 born registered Angus cows. Proven producers that all sell – No Exceptions. Bred to Unified, Jameson, Prosper, Irish Whiskey, Haynes Papa and Congress.

75 Registered Bred Heifers

one dollar to four dollars per hundredweight over the past four years.

The U.S. dairy herd has climbed to its highest level in over 30 years, in part, to capitalize on revenue from beef-on-dairy calves.

While milk production margins had been somewhat favorable, strong output in recent months significantly changed the price forecasts.

Butterfat production is in overdrive, and ample supplies have sent milk futures lower. Typically, this would prompt dairies to reduce production, but the combination of the lowest feed prices in five years and profit margins for beef may be a stronger signal.

Cotton, rice and sugar

Cotton prices remain depressed despite a smaller U.S. crop. A slowing global economy continues weighing on clothing and apparel sales, pushing cotton prices lower.

U.S. cotton exports have languished amid the weakening economic outlook. Cumulative U.S. export commitments of upland cotton were down 18 percent year-over-year, as of midSeptember.

Food and beverage Merger and acquisition activity in the food and beverage sector continues, as evidenced by marquee deals including Ferrero’s acquisition of WK Kellogg and Mars’ purchase of Kellanova. However, deconsolidation and divestures are becoming equally common.

Unraveling the biggest deal of a decade ago, Kraft Heinz is splitting into two companies. The move reflects a growing trend toward deconsolidation as companies aim to focus their efforts more narrowly and increase their agility to address changing consumer needs.

This trend will likely continue as consumer sentiment shifts toward more cost-effective, at-home meal solutions.

Power and digital infrastructure

The cost of electricity is becoming a chief economic concern for Americans as prices are rising twice as fast as inflation. While data centers’ enormous appetite for power is frequently assigned blame, the problem of rising electricity prices pre-dates data centers.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has long warned of supply challenges.

The slouching export pace is a concern for U.S. cotton farmers, as 80 percent of the cotton crop is typically exported. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the 202526 cotton crop at 13.22 million 480-pound bales, falling eight percent year-over-year.

Rice prices continue to suffer from downward global pressures. Ample global supplies of competitively priced rice have eroded U.S. export market share.

Large load growth customers such as data centers could be a catalyst for modernizing the U.S. electric grid, ultimately helping to lower rates for all customers.

However, regulatory misalignment or the misapportionment of system costs could deter the beneficial load growth needed to temper electricity costs.

The imperative for utilities is to insulate consumers from data center cost sharing.

U.S. rice export sales are down 26 percent year-overyear since India resumed rice exports in 2024. Increased export competition from South America into the key Western Hemisphere market has added to the global headwinds.

Historic investments continue pouring into data center and AI infrastructure development.

Stronger sales of medium-grain rice to Japan and Korea have been a bright spot in U.S. rice trade.

While U.S. tariffs on imported rice have offered some support to U.S. prices, global rice abundance threatens to hold prices at multi-year lows.

Capital expenditures could approach $400 billion in 2025, up from $235 billion in 2024. Investments will surge even higher in 2026, with Oracle, Microsoft and Broadcom signaling continued growth in AI infrastructure. This momentum creates a unique opportunity for rural America, as data center developers and hyperscalers search for land and a clear path to power.

Strong global sugar supplies have pulled prices lower just as the U.S. sugarbeet and sugarcane harvest is underway. Total U.S. sugar production is expected to rise 1.8 percent year-over-year.

The bigger U.S. crop arrives amid a global sugar crop which will be the biggest in eight years. Major exporters including Brazil, Thailand and India have expanded production.

The global abundance continues to anchor U.S. sugar prices, which fell to their lowest level in four years last quarter. However, biofuel policies in India may limit future sugar exports, putting a stronger floor under U.S. and world sugar prices.

But the road ahead is not without challenges. The looming supply-demand imbalance in U.S. energy markets could become a bottleneck for growth and increase the risk of critical AI training activities migrating overseas.

CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. Headquartered outside of Denver, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative

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Virginia Tech Extension specialist discusses benefits of crossbreeding sheep

In an Aug. 22 edition of the American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) Research Update podcast, Virginia Tech Extension Beef and Sheep Specialist Dr. Scott Greiner discusses the benefits of crossbreeding sheep with Jake Thorne, podcast host and sheep and goat program specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

The conversation covers how crossbreeding can impact the productivity, efficiency and adaptability of flocks, as well as practical considerations for producers interested in implementing crossbreeding strategies on their own operations. What is crossbreeding?

To provide background, Greiner begins by defining crossbreeding as “a systematic way of combining and utilizing different breeds to enhance or improve various production traits.”

Greiner notes these traits encompass everything capable of impacting a producer’s bottom line, including maternal instinct, carcass merit, rate of gain and more.

The diversity of the sheep industry means some breeds have advantages over others with regard to certain categories, and Greiner says a breeding strategy prioritizing breed complementarity can be utilized for a more productive lamb crop.

“In the sheep business, we have a lot of different breeds at our disposal, and all of these breeds have strengths and weaknesses.” Greiner says. “Breed complementarity is utilizing different breeds to complement one another, to perhaps mask weaknesses or add to strengths of various breeds.”

For example, Greiner explains maternal breeds known for mothering capability can be bred to terminal breeds known for growth and carcass merit to optimize the end product in the resulting lamb crop.

Heterosis and heritability

Breed complementarity has a direct impact on the genetic phenomenon called heterosis, which is the tendency of crossbred offspring to exhibit superior qualities to those of both parents.

To explain this, Greiner provides the example of weaning weights, citing research which reflects a roughly five percent boost in crossbred versus straightbred offspring. He also makes note of the “inverse relationship” between heterosis and heritability, which is the portion of traits inherited due to genetics.

Greiner emphasizes highly heritable traits like carcass and wool traits have a relatively low level of heterosis and are therefore not greatly affected by crossbreeding.

In contrast, lowly heritable traits like reproductive ability and survivability have a high level of heterosis and can be influenced dramatically through crossbreeding. Greiner further says the advantages of a crossbreeding system are mostly realized through crossbred ewes.

Greiner notes the impact of heterosis in a crossbred ewe manifest through advantages in fertility and prolificacy, as well as ability to raise lambs which survive longer and have higher weaning weights due to the ewe’s increased genetic maternal capability.

“Ewes generating more lambs, which in turn generate more pounds, is what pays the bills,” Greiner says. “Crossbreeding through maternal heterosis helps optimize this.”

Other takeaways

The conversation concludes with a look into important considerations for producers hoping to implement crossbreeding on their operations. In addition to genetic considerations, Greiner stresses the importance of matching breeds to environmental conditions when it comes to crossbreeding.

“The fundamental place to start is selecting breeds of sheep which fit our environment,” Greiner says.

He also recommends “matching the ewe to the environment and the ram to the marketplace” which means selecting ewes capable of thriving and raising a lamb in the producer’s environment and breeding them to a ram chosen for qualities which will fit the even-

tual lamb crop’s intended market.

Finally, Greiner underscores the importance of maintaining records to monitor whether crossbreeding strategies are proving useful to a specific operation and incorporating crossbreeding at a manageable rate rather than diving into several breeds right away in order to keep strategies simple and sustainable.

Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

THE NATRONA COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

WILL ACCEPT WRITTEN COMMENTS ON THE 20262030 STRATEGIC PLAN

BEGINNING NOV. 6, 2025 THROUGH DEC. 23, 2025

Copies of the document are available at the NCCD office located at 5880 Enterprise Drive, Suite 100, Casper, WY, as well as on their website www.nccdwyoming.com

For more information contact the NCCD at 307-2615436, Ext. 4 11/8

NOTICE: Publication in this newspaper does not guarantee the legitimacy of any offer or solicitation. Take reasonable steps to evaluate an offer before you send money or provide personal/ financial information to an advertiser. If you have questions or believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Unit, 109 Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY 82002, 307777-6397 TFN

RAPID CITY GUN SHOW: Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-

2 p.m. Monument Civic Center, Rapid City, S.D. 57701. Buy, sell and trade, $5 daily admission. For more information, call 605391-8843 11/29

Come Join the Gottsch Livestock Feeders Family! Gottsch Livestock Feeders is looking for Cowboys/Pen Riders for their feedyard in Red Cloud, NE. The main focus of the Cowboy/Pen Riders are spotting, pulling, diagnosing and taking cattle to the hospital and shipping fat cattle. This person will need to be a team player who is seeking a long-term position. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry. We offer a benefits package that includes health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), health savings, life insurance and paid vacation. Retention bonus offered to full-time employees. Incentives paid out at 6 months and 1 year of employment. If you are interested stop by and fill out an application or visit our website at Call Brandon Furr at 402-257-7769 or 402-746-2222 for more information.

RANCH HAND/GROUNDS

KEEPER: Full-time position at a family-owned ranch near Cody, WY and located in the Shoshone National Forest. Position entails lawn care, irrigation, heavy equipment operation, carpentry, equipment maintenance, building maintenance and overall residential and agricultural property maintenance. Experience is welcome but will train the right candidate. The ideal candidate will be reliable; have a strong work ethic; be able to perform individually and with a team; be a self-starter and enjoy working outdoors. Benefits include health, with optional dental and vision; paid-time off and 401(k) with employer matching contribution. For the right candidate housing on property is also available. Salary based upon previous experience. Send resumes to cg1@colliergroupoffice.com 12/6

COMMERCIAL/AG LOAN

OFFICER, BUFFALO, S.D.:

Pioneer Bank & Trust is hiring a full-time Loan Officer to join our team in Buffalo, S.D. This role involves business development, portfolio management and a variety of lending types including commercial, ag and consumer. We offer: Competitive salary, profit sharing and bonus program. Full benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k). Generous PTO. Moving and daycare assistance. Advancement opportunities!! Ideal candidates have a degree in Business or Finance and 5+ years of lending experience (or related). Join a community-focused bank with a strong reputation and long-term career potential. EOE, including disability/Vets. Apply today at www.pioneerbankandtrust. com/employment 11/15

ALL TYPES OF EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLE FINANCING. Great service!! Great rates!! Call Chuck Brown at C.H. Brown Co., LLC, 307-322-3232 (office), 307-331-0010 (cell) or e-mail chuckbrown@wyoming.com 11/8

AGRI-ONE FINANCIAL: Farm/ranch and all commercial loans. RATES AS LOW AS 5%. We have been helping with all aspects of agricultural, commercial financing and management for years. LET US HELP YOU on a consulting level with management to increase profitability, deal with and fix credit problems and for all your financing needs. WE CARE AND HAVE WORKING PROGRAMS designed for the farmer/rancher and not the banker. Please call Steve, 303-7733545 or check out our website, www.agrionefinancial.com. I will come to you and get the job done!! 11/29

Help Wanted

Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom is seeking an Education Advocate.

This full-time position:

• Supports the implementation of the Wyo Wonders curriculum in 2nd-5th grade classrooms across Wyoming.

• Focuses on teacher recruitment and retention, professional development delivery, program evaluation and collaboration with educators, administrators and partners.

• Must reside in Laramie County, statewide travel required.

For more information, a full job description and to submit a resume and letter of interest, contact Andrew Joannides at ajoannides@wyaitc.org and Dallas Myers at dmyers@wyaitc.org by end of day Dec. 15, 2025.

WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RRC, RSS, RHH. Expires Jan. 1, 2029. Electric iron included.

$2,500 OBO. Call 307-5756589 11/8

REGISTERED WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE: RHC, RHH, no earmarks, registration #A0715200, renewed to Jan 1, 2027. Comes with cattle irons and horse irons. $1,000 OBO. Call 520-904-8305 11/15

11/15

AKC PEMBROKE WELSH

CORGIS: Born June 15, triple clear genetics (DM, VWD1 and EIC). UTD on shots and dewormings, hip and elbow tested parentage. Delivery options available. Starting at $1,500 OBO. For more information visit www.rusticbarnkennels.com or call 406-7457227, no texts calls only. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 11/15

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD/ BORDER COLLIE MIX PUPPIES: Ranch raised. Six weeks old. Working parents on site. Have had first shot, dewormed, tails docked and dewclaws removed. All different colors available, $650/each. WE ALSO OFFER and work with Veterans who need service dogs. For more information about these wonderful puppies, call or text 307-272-0509. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 11/8

49 HEAD OF BLACK ANGUS, FEW BALDIES: Three to 6 years old, shots and preg checked. May calvers, not culls. Call Jerry, 307-6801561 11/29

Heartland Cattle Co.

Selling 60 AI fancy heifers bred to AAR Midas, calving Feb. 11 and 30 AAR bull bred, calving March 3.

SELLING AT ARNTZEN ANGUS FEMALE SALE

Lewiston Stockyards • Nov. 14, 2025

Call Daniel Troyer at 406-366-4539 or Dan Deichman at 406-799-5200 for more information.

FOR SALE: 300 head of commercial Angus and F-1 baldy bred heifers. Hand selected and purchased from top ranches in the region. All Miller Angus Farms customer genetics. UTD on vaccinations, pelvic measured, dewormed. Pregged/ sorted into calving window groups. AI bred to elite calving ease bull GB Mogul M64J and cleaned up to top tier calving ease bulls. Group 1 due March 1. Group 2 due March 16. Group 3 due March 28. Group 4 due April 1 for 30 Days. Group 5 due May 1 for 30 Days. Will go on to make a productive, high performing cow that will add value to your program. First come, first served. Small loads to pot loads and volume discounts available. Free delivery. Miller Angus Farms, Kody, 605-690-1997 or Brady, 605690-5733 1/3

SHORTHORN BULLS FOR SALE PRIVATE TREATY: Yearlings up to mature bulls available. Developed conservatively so they hold up. Remember a red Shorthorn bull on your homozygous black cows will give you black calves. Shorthorns are excellent maternal cattle that produce quality beef. FrancisMillvale Shorthorns, Gene and Roberta Francis Family, 701-331-2403, e-mail francis. millvale@gmail.com. To view photos, go to www.wylr.net in the classifieds 11/8

Pasture

FALL GRAZING AVAILABLE

Ranch for Lease

PARK COUNTY, WY RANCH NEAR CODY, WY IS AVAILABLE FOR A LONG-TERM LEASE: The ranch has over 50,000 acres and supports an irrigated hay base with BOR water rights. Carrying capacity is 700 animal units yearround with hay production. Willing to split the hay ground and grazing. Please e-mail Honora Beirne (hbeirne@ acpg.com) and Melanie Giliati (mgiliati@acpg.com) for details 11/15

Horses

, hay fed as needed FOR 200+ HEAD OF CATTLE. Cody NE. For more information, call 605-4880301 11/29 MEADOWBROOK EASY ENTRY HORSE CART AND HARNESS: Two seater, solid oak, 42” wheel diameter. $1,500. Call 307-250-3158 or 307-587-3916 11/22

FOR SALE: Yearling and 2-year-old blue roan draft cross fillies. For more information, call Henry Lambright, 307-467-5651, leave message 11/15

406-696-0104 4/11 WYOMING BRAND FOR SALE. LRC, LBH, renewed to 2033. $1,500. Call 307-259-2062 11/8

BULLS FOR SALE: Registered yearling and 2-year-old Black Angus range bulls for sale private treaty. Good selection for heifers and cows. From popular sires and industry leaders. Semen tested and ready to go. CLAY CREEK ANGUS, 307-762-3541, www. claycreek.net TFN

TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT AMERICAN COWBOY PRCA RODEO IS NOV. 15: Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack is ready to outfit you for the fun!! Fine selection of JEWELRY, silk SCARVES, bolo TIES AND MORE. $AVE on BOOTS, BOOTS, BOOTS!!! HONDO, BOULET, JUSTIN WORK BOOTS, TWISTED X (boots and shoes) and more!! GREAT TIME TO SHOP for Christmas. WE CAN ship!! Cowboy up at Moss Saddles, Boots and Tack, 4648 West Yellowstone Highway, Casper, WY, 307-472-1872. Our family serving yours for 50 years!! Check us out on Facebook or our website 11/8

Leatherwork

LS CUSTOM LEATHER: Belts, tack, cell phone cases and much more!! Contact Lester, 307-631-1053, leave a message. Located in Riverton, WY 11/8

Angus

Shorthorn

Saddles & Tack

FOR SALE, 3 1/2-YEAR-OLD RAMS, 2 Hampshire and 1 Hampshire/Texel cross. SEVERAL NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT/HAMPSHIRE CROSS RAM LAMBS For more information, call 406-679-1576 or 406-6701800 11/29

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A NEW HERDER CAMP OR A PERSONAL RANGE CAMP FOR YOUR FAMILY? Contact us at Western Range Camps and see what we can build for you. We specialize in quality, handcrafted camps built to your specifications. Contact us today to design the camp just right for you. Western Range Camps, 435-4625300, heidi@wrcamps.com, 1145 S. Blackhawk Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, UT 84647 11/8

YEARLING HORNED RAMBOUILLET BUCKS FOR SALE: Average on herd micron is 18.6. 64% yield while maintaining a 3” staple, ewes average 11 lbs. fleece. Look us up on Facebook @ Edwards Rambouillet or call for questions, 307-670-3360 11/22

YEARLING RAMS FOR SALE: Purebred TARGHEE, purebred RAMBOUILLET and purebred COLUMBIA. Whole flock this year 20 micron. Call or text 307-680-4950 11/15

WEANER PIGS FOR SALE, located in Powell, WY. For more information, call 307271-1014 1/17

NORTH DAKOTA HAY FOR

SALE: Upland $45/bale, alfalfa $50/bale, all this year’s hay. ALSO, last year’s hay available, call for price. Trucking available. Call 701-341-1929 11/29

BARLEY STRAW: Certified weed-free small squares, $4/ bale. ALSO, 5x6 round bales, $125/ton. GRAIN OATS, wheat and barley, $20/cwt. Greybull, WY area. Call 307762-3878 or 307-899-4714, leave message 11/29

EXCELLENT QUALITY PRAI-

RIE HAY: Big round bales, weighing 1,400-1,500 lbs. each. Located near Chambers, NE. Call for price and delivery, 402-583-9924 or 402-340-2218 (cell) 11/29

400 TONS DURUM STRAW: Round bales, 1,000 lbs., $40/ bale, 780 bales available. Excellent bedding or feed. Call 406765-7172 11/29

LARGE ROUND BALES OF CERTIFIED WEED FREE

GRASS HAY FOR SALE, $85/ ton. Bales are approximately 1,175 lbs. Contact Lee at 307254-5115 or Bill at 406-4801248 11/29

ALFALFA/GRASS MIX: Large round bales. STRAIGHT ALFALFA, large rounds and small square bales. ALSO, oat straw, large round bales. For more information, call 307754-5864 11/8

GOOD QUALITY HAY FOR SALE: Alfalfa/orchardgrass mix and straight alfalfa, all in net-wrapped round bales. Nisland, S.D. For more information and pricing, call 605892-5676 11/8

2025 LARGE ROUND BALES OF GOOD NET-WRAPPED

ALFALFA, mostly second cutting, but some first and some third. Asking $135 ton FOB but will discount some for volumes over 100 ton. Located in Torrington, WY. For information, call Marty Yorges at 307-5321528 11/29

HAY FOR SALE: First, second and third cutting alfalfa, alfalfa/orchardgrass and grain hay options, net-wrapped round bales, 3x3 square bales and small square bales/21 pack bale bundles. Delivery available. WE ALSO OFFER CUSTOM TRUCKING, hay hauling and side dump to haul gravel. Call Cheney Trucking/Jonathan Cheney, 605569-0469 11/8

QUALITY HAY FOR SALE: Grass, grass/alfalfa mix and straight alfalfa, net-wrapped large round bales, no rain. Western Nebraska location. Pick up or delivery available for fee. Call or text 303-9062691 11/22

STRAW FOR SALE: 400 TONS OF BARLEY STRAW, 4x4 squares, $40/ton. Located west of Powell, WY. Call or text 307-202-0532 for more information 11/15

ROUND-BALED GRASS: 2025 crop 1,000 lb. net-wrapped bales. $50-$60/bale depending on variety. Cody, WY area. Call, don’t text, Anthony at 307254-2645 11/8

CERTIFIED BARLEY STRAW FOR SALE, 3x4 bales. Cody, WY. Call 307-899-1952 TFN

CERTIFIED ORGANIC ALFALFA/GRASS MIX HAY: No chemicals, 3x3 squares and round bales. Adrian Troyer, Byron, WY. Call 307-631-4104 12/27

HAY FOR SALE: Triticale, barley, pea blend with alfalfa. Nice hay, 3x3 bales. ALSO, alfalfa with some rain, 3x3 bales. Shed stored. $170/ton. Farson, WY. Call 307-3505472 11/8

CERTIFIED WEED-FREE PURE ALFALFA HAY: 2025 second cutting available in 3x3 squares, averaging 750800 lbs. 2025 first and second cutting also available in small squares, averaging 70-80 lbs. ALSO, 100+ tons of 2024 hay with weather damage. Would be good cow hay or great for compost. Will load trucks and any open trailer. MONIDA OATS: $16/cwt. Combine run. Will auger into truck, trailer or large totes/ag bags. Located between Powell and Cody, WY. Call or text Knopp Farms for details, 307-2540554 12/6

HAY FOR SALE: 1,400-1,500 lb. net-wrapped bales. Alfalfa, mixed and grass. Located in Slope County, N.D. Will load. Still cutting, will have approximately 1,000 bales. $85/ton. Call 701-440-1764 11/8

EAR CORN FOR SALE. NON GMO, no pesticides. Minatare, NE. Call Byron, 303-818-8152, leave message 11/8

HAY FOR SALE: Grass and alfalfa hay. ALSO, forage wheat and straw. Round bales and 3x4 square bales. Delivery available!! Call 307-630-3046 11/8

HAY FOR SALE: 2025 grass/ alfalfa, first and second cutting alfalfa, millet, haybet barley and CRP hay. 2024 first cutting grass/alfalfa, first and second cutting alfalfa and CRP hay. GRINDING HAY also available. All in net-wrapped round bales. Semi load delivery available. Call for pricing, ask for Klint, 701-290-4418, send a text if no answer or keep trying 11/8

VALLEY VIDEO HAY MARKETS, LLC: Representing 40 of the best growers in eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Call now for your fall/winter needs, Barry McRea, 308-2355386, www.valleyvideohay. com 11/8

HAY FOR SALE: Barn stored, 3x4 and small squares, straight alfalfa and straight grass. First and second cutting, trucking available, Riverton, WY area. Call 307-709-6290 11/29

LODGEPOLE PRODUCTS, 307-742-6992, SERVING AGRIBUSINESSES SINCE 1975!! Treated posts, corral poles, buck-and-rail, western rail, fence stays, rough-sawn lumber, bedding. SEE US at www.lodgepoleproducts.com and click our “Picking A Fence Post” tab to see why folks choose our posts!! TFN

Call Casey Essert, Land Broker, 307-5321750 TFN

100 ACRES 7 MILES SOUTH OF COLUMBUS, MT: Half mile of Stillwater River frontage, 3 bed, 2.5 bath home with heated oversized 2 car garage. Two

LODGEPOLE OUTDOOR FURNACES, 307-223-2046. Your authorized Central Boiler Dealer. Get your outdoor wood furnace today!! $2,000 tax credit on qualifying models!! Efficient wood heat. Heat multiple buildings. Invest in your heating, don’t just pay for it!! See us at www.cb.lodgepoleproducts. com!! 11/8

FOR SALE: John Deere 714A and 716A chuckwagons with John Deere tandem running gear. H&S 7+4 18’ chuckwagon with bunk feeding extensions and tandem 14 ton running gear. J&M 385 gravity box with 12 ton gear, truck tires. 32’ header trailer. Landoll 36’ cushion gang disc with 3 bar mulcher. Gehl 410 bushel manure spreader with slop gate, double floor chains, 2 beaters, tandem axle. Meridian 240 PT seed tender, all hydraulic and roll tarp. Vermeer BP 7000 bale processor. 2019 Freightliner, DD13 engine, 12 speed automatic, daycab, good rubber, air ride. Burns portable loading chute. 14’ HD box scraper with tilt. Farm King 8’ snowblower with hydraulic spout. All in very nice condition!! Call 605-999-5482 11/15

ATVs

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PIPE FOR SALE!! 2 7/8”, 3 1/2” tubing, 4” drill pipe, 4 1/2” casing, 5” casing, 7” casing. Rods 3/4”, 7/8” and 1” located in Montana, can ship anywhere. Call Mike, 602-758-4447. To view photos, go to www.wylr. net in the classifieds 12/27

Copper wire is being stolen from electrically powered pivot systems world-wide. Many growers have resorted to 24-hour guards, razor wire, floodlights and daily disassembly to protect themselves. T-L’s hydraulically powered pivot systems can be designed with little or no wire to steal. Stop theft and discover T-L’s reliability,

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE, FARMER RETIRING: John Deere 71 Flex 8 row corn planter on a 24’ stackable bar. AC Model 1300 30’ ripper with rakes. A 20’ Krause offset disc (new blades in front). Safety pull with a bull hitch. 2003 IHC 9400I Eagle semi fifth wheel truck, Cat engine, 26’ end dump trailer with roll tarp. 1997 Kenworth T800, Detroit engine, 20’ box with hoist, roll tarp, both beet and grain end gates. John Deere front suitcase weights. IHC front suitcase weights. Contact Greg Keller at 406-679-1136 11/8

For

information, contact Keyhole Land Co., Bob Brockman Broker at 307-331-0909 or keyhole@wyoming.com 11/8

NOV. 24-25: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/ DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCA-

TIONS: NOV. 24: Pine Bluffs

3:45-4 p.m., Sinclair; Burns

4:15-4:30 p.m., Antelope Truck Stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Cheyenne 4:50-5:10 p.m., Home on the Range Processing (drive thru). NOV. 25: Cheyenne 7-7:40 a.m., Tractor Supply; Chugwater 8:30-8:45 a.m., Stampede Saloon (drive thru); Wheatland 9:40-10 a.m., Wheatland Travel Plaza; Guernsey 10:20-10:40 a.m., Crazy Tony’s (drive thru, call/text Greg); Fort Laramie 10:50-11:05 a.m., Ft. Laramie Bar/Grill (drive thru, call/ text Greg); Lingle 11:15-11:30 a.m., Ty’s Pit Stop (drive thru); Torrington 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Insight Precision Arms; Scottsbluff, NE 1:30-2 p.m., Murdoch’s (north side). For more information, call Greg, 308-7500700 or visit www.petskafur. net 11/15

Hunting & Fishing

NOV. 12-16: PETSKA FUR WILL BE BUYING ALL RAW/ DRY FUR DEER/ELK HIDES AND ANTLER IN THE FOLLOWING TOWNS AND LOCATIONS: NOV. 12: Bill 6:156:30 p.m., Bill’s Store (drive thru, call/text Greg). NOV. 13: Wright 6:50-7:20 a.m., Rest Area; Newcastle 8:30-9:15 a.m., Voelker’s Body Shop; Upton 10:15-10:30 a.m., Joes Food Center; Moorcroft 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., The Coffee Cup; Gillette 12:30-12:50 p.m., T&T Guns and Ammo; Gillette 1:10-1:40 p.m., Rocky Mountain Sports. NOV. 14: Sheridan 7-7:40 a.m., Sportsman’s Warehouse; Buffalo 8:50-9:20 a.m., Good 2 Go; Ten Sleep 10:50-11:20 a.m., Pony Express; Worland 11:50 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Bighorn One Stop; Manderson 12:50-1:10 p.m., Hiway Bar (drive thru, call/text Greg); Basin 1:301:45 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru); Greybull 2-2:15 p.m., Overland Express Mart (drive thru); Lovell 2:40-3 p.m., Good 2 Go; Powell 3:30-3:50 p.m., Murdoch’s; Cody 4:15-4:45 p.m., Nature’s Design Taxidermy; Meeteetse 5:30-5:45 p.m., Elk Horn Bar (under lights in front of fire haul, drive thru, call/text Greg). NOV 15: Thermopolis 7:15-7:45 a.m., Renegade Guns; Shoshoni 8:30-8:45 a.m., Fast Lane (NW corner, drive thru); Riverton 9:15-10 a.m., Vic’s Body Shop (behind the Dollar Tree); Lander 10:30-11 a.m., Zander’s One Stop; Jeffrey City 12-12:20 p.m., Split Rock Café (drive thru, call/text Greg); Muddy Gap 12:30-12:40 p.m., truck stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Casper 1:30-2:15 p.m., Wagner Outdoor Sports; Glenrock 3:30-3:50 p.m., east exit on interstate (drive thru, call/ text Greg); Douglas 4:15-4:30 p.m., Douglas Feed (drive thru). NOV 16: Orin Junction 6:45-7 a.m., truck stop (drive thru, call/text Greg); Lost Springs 7:15-7:30 a.m., Main St. (drive thru, call/text Greg); Lusk 8-8:30 a.m., Decker’s Grocery; Alliance, NE 11:3011:50 a.m., Bomgaars (drive thru, call/text Greg). For more information, call Greg, 308750-0700 or visit www.petskafur.net 11/8

On Oct. 29, the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust (WSGLT) and Ryan Lance, president and manager of the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch, finalized a conservation easement to permanently protect 17,757 acres in Carbon County – safeguarding productive agricultural land, vital wildlife habitats and historic open spaces.

“The conservation of the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch builds on generations of stewardship which define Wyoming’s history,” said WSGLT Executive Director Christine Adams. “Through our wonderful partnership with the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch, we’re ensuring this working landscape continues to support agriculture, wildlife habitat and open space for generations to come.”

“Together, we honor the legacy of those who came before us while conserving the Wyoming we love for the future,” Adams continued.

Rich history

Located near the historic Sweetwater and North Platte rivers, the Pathfinder

Workshop scheduled

The American Lamb Board (ALB) will host another Solar Grazing Workshop from Dec. 8-10 in Franklin, Ky.

The event is a three-day opportunity for farmers, ranchers, industry leaders and solar advocates to network, learn about sheep production and gain hands-on experience.

This workshop will provide current and new producers with a comprehensive overview of the emerging field of solar grazing.

As solar development expands across the U.S., workshops like this highlight the complementary relationship between renewable energy and agriculture. By bringing grazers and solar operators together, events like the ALB Solar Grazing Workshop foster innovation, address real-world challenges and accelerate the adoption of solar opportunities.

“Attendees will leave this workshop equipped with the knowledge and connections to help lead the next chapter in sustainable land management,” says ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert.

For more information or to register, visit lambboard.com

Grant awardees announced

On Nov. 3, the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force announced the sixth round of awardees for the Semiquincentennial Grant Program.

The grant program was launched last year and is supported with a $2 million appropriation from the Wyoming Legislature. The program allows communities to recognize and celebrate Wyoming’s unique role in American history and to explore both Wyoming’s lasting legacy and future potential.

The projects will take place in conjunction with the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

One Tribal entity and seven local and non-governmental entities were awarded grants totaling $115,036. They include the Moorcroft Historical Walking TourWest Texas Trail Museum of Crook County, Trailblazer Days in Hot Springs County, Rockpile Museum in Campbell County, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s Jaques Laramie Chapter in Albany County, Carbon County School District #2, Park County School District #6, the Learning Center of Hot Springs County and the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Council.

Grant funding is still available and applications can be accessed and submitted online.

For more information, visit wyoming250.com/

Sand Creek Ranch is rich in both agricultural and cultural heritage.

The property sits at the heart of one of Wyoming’s most historically significant landscapes – where the Oregon, Mormon, Pioneer and California trails, collectively known as the Emigrant Trail, cross its northern boundary.

These routes once guided nearly half a million travelers heading west from the early 1800s through the 1860s, leaving a lasting imprint on the land and Wyoming’s history.

Just 10 miles west of the property lies Independence Rock, a famed waypoint along the Oregon Trail where more than 5,000 emigrants carved or painted their names into the granite outcrop, marking their passage through the frontier.

Nearby landmarks such as Devil’s Gate and Martin’s Cove – both recognized for their importance to the Mormon handcart pioneers – further underscore the area’s deep historical and cultural significance.

The Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch also played a role in Wyoming’s early

ranching history, with its roots tracing back to the 1870s Tom Sun Ranch and Albert J. Bothwell, who began acquiring land in the Sweetwater Valley in the 1880s.

Bothwell’s endeavors in agriculture, irrigation and settlement helped shape the region’s ranching traditions and contributed to key moments in Wyoming’s territorial history, including the era of openrange conflicts culminating in the Johnson County Cattle War of 1892.

Working ranch

Today, the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch continues its agricultural legacy as a working cattle operation. The land supports a mix of yearling and cow/calf pairs which graze across its extensive rangeland pastures.

In addition to its ranching operations, the Sweetwater River Conservancy Conservation Bank (SRCCB) operates on the property to support a healthy, intact Greater sage grouse population.

The SRCCB’s conservation efforts benefit far more than sage grouse. It also enhances habitat for elk, mule deer, prong-

horn antelope; 34 species of waterfowl, including 16 migratory shorebird species and numerous small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

“Pathfinder is pleased to partner with the WSGLT on the conservation easement on the Sand Creek Ranch,” said Lance. “The protections created through the conservation easement will not only ensure Greater sage grouse

and other habitats are safeguarded in perpetuity, but the deep agricultural heritage of the ranch endures in future generations.”

WSGLT is honored to continue working with landowners who share a dedication to conserving Wyoming’s working lands and the history they represent.

WSGLT is dedicated to conservation through ranching. Based in Cheyenne, the nonprofit organization serves the entire state and is Wyoming’s only agricultural land trust. Through partnerships with families, WSGLT holds and stewards agricultural conservation easements on more than 307,000 acres of land throughout Wyoming. Founded in 2000 by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, it is one of the largest regional land trusts in the U.S. For more information, visit wsglt.org

WSGLT conserves 17,757 acres in Carbon County

Conserving ag lands – At the end of October, the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust and Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch of Carbon County finalized a conservation easement to protect 17,575 acres of working, agricultural land and wildlife habitat. Pictured from left to right are Rachel Belouin, Sarah Kauer, Christine Adams, Ryan Lance, Anita Lewis, Averi Davies, Kendra Mitchell and Matt Haynes. Courtesy photo

It’s National Pork Month, and who doesn’t love pork chops? The answer isn’t what it used to be – pork chops have lost popularity, especially among Gen Z and millennial consumers.

“In the early 2000s, pork chops were one of the highvalue cuts coming from the carcass,” says Jaime Luke, Michigan State University ag economist.

Pork prices

Luke specializes in livestock economics and explains in 2010, bacon rose in popularity with sky-high demand, besting pork chops and claiming the number one value in dollars per pound. Then in 2018, ham overtook pork chops in price per pound.

All this is despite a steady decline in real – adjusted for inflation – pork chop prices over the past 25 years.

Luke cites U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data explaining, on average, pork chops cost $4.68 per pound in 2025, down about 36 percent from $7.31 per pound in 2000, if adjusting nominal prices into August 2025 dollar terms.

Luke says demand likely drives the price decrease –not supply – because producers can’t reduce loin production without affecting the entire carcass.

Anna Dilger, University of Illinois meat scientist, says the pork chop price decline reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences, particularly among millennial and Gen Z consumers.

Millennials were born between 1981-96 and range from 29 to 44 years old, while Gen Z consumers were born between 1997 and 2012 and span ages 13 to 28. Overall, two factors drive the decrease in popularity among consumers in these age ranges.

“For a lot of millennial consumers, the pork chop of their childhood was maybe not the star of the show,” Dilger says. “It was a little dry, and it was a little tough. I’m not sure they have great memories about it.”

She also explains Gen Z approaches meal planning very differently than baby boomers, first selecting the meal and then the protein.

Dilger says other cuts of meat in the loin primal –which comprises about 25 percent of total carcass weight and includes the pork loin, tenderloin and sirloin – also face declining popularity.

Other cuts of pork have climbed in price since 2000 when adjusted for inflation. Bacon prices jumped about 24 percent to an average of $7.06 per pound in August 2025, while ham rose about six percent to $5.56 per pound.

Why? Bacon demand has grown over time, and bacon is no longer seen as strictly a breakfast food, Luke says. Now, it’s incorporated into all sorts of recipes.

But of those three cuts, pork chops are the only one which has decreased in value

since 2000.

“If we continue to see a decline in the demand for pork chops, it could impact the wholesale value,” Luke says, explaining how the decline hurts pork producers.

She also explains export markets play an important role in maintaining strong pork value for farmers.

“We produce about as much loin as we do ham when it comes to primals, but we have a really strong export market for ham,” Luke says, noting Mexico receives over one-half of exported hams, while no comparable strong international markets exist for the loin primal.

“Good pork”

About three years ago, the decline in pork loin demand caught the attention of meat scientists and the National Pork Board.

Discussions among producers, consumer experts and scientists led to a checkoff-funded project, partnered with the American Meat Science Association, to address this decline in demand, particularly among Gen Z and millennial consumers.

Dilger emphasizes the pork industry needs to refine pork production to meet consumer preferences. While pork farmers love their product, she explains producers alone cannot support the industry – consumers must support pork through increased consumption.

For this to happen, Dilger says industry leaders need to consider what consumers want and how they can modify production to meet this demand.

“What do people want and how can we deliver it to them?” Dilger asks.

In summer 2025, the team – put together by the American Meat Science Association, including Dilger and other scientists from Ohio State University, Iowa State University and Texas A&M University – began the next phase of the project, aimed at identifying what consumers describe as “good pork.”

To accomplish this, they evaluated pork loin quality based on color, marbling, tenderness and sensory traits, such as juiciness and flavor, through expert taste panels.

Dilger expects to complete this research phase within the next year. Her preliminary findings align with her previous decade of research – pork chops are very tender. However, she believes pork chops lack natural flavor compared to beef.

Once Dilger completes current research, she will work with others to begin a longer phase which traces consumer preferences back to animal production practices, such as nutrition and genetics.

“It’s actually an effort that has to happen at all sorts of levels – genetics companies, nutritionists and meat scientists are the people who help shape what pork is going to be,” Dilger says. “But consumer market

researchers and focus groups help to shape and understand what people want.”

Luke agrees this research

matters to the long-term profitability of hog farmers.

“Loins make up such a big part of the carcass, and

it’s really important demand for them stays strong,” Luke says.

Ava

is a staff

Splear

writer for Prairie Farmer

This article was originally published by Prairie Farmer on Oct. 23.

Pork chops – Michigan State University Ag Economist Jaime Luke explains pork chop prices over the past 25 years have declined, citing waning demand from millennial and Gen Z consumers as a major reason for the shift. Holly Spangler photo

Beef Country Genetics Sale

the Math!

It doesn’t cost you any more than making sure you are using the right bulls and the right program.

MATERNAL Research from Canada, Australia, Texas A&M, University of Florida, Montana State University - Dr. John Patterson, University of Missouri, University of Illinois... have

The U.S. cattle market is at an all-time high and likely will not peak until at least 2027, according to Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension livestock marketing specialist.

“Cattle markets are in an unprecedented situation,” Peel said at the recent Rural Economic Outlook Conference in Stillwater, Okla. “We have been at record levels most of this year for all classes of cattle, and we’re not at the top yet.”

Peel said he is still unsure how high prices will get. The cattle industry is closely monitoring factors such as heifer retention to determine where and when the market will top out and the herd begins to grow again. He also said the market is trying to incentivize herd rebuilding.

“Bigger herd numbers will eventually put a top on this market and lead to higher numbers or lower

prices,” Peel said. “But we have not started definitive heifer retention yet, so we still have higher prices ahead of us.”

Managing risk

Stocker producers or any producer above the cow/calf level work on margins involving some risk as they buy and sell.

“Whether it’s a stocker calf, feeder animal or fed animal – all the way to the retail customer – margins are not as attractive,” Peel said. “These sectors face more challenges in this market. It’s a great time to be selling, but those who are buying are investing a lot of money and taking a lot of risk.”

With prices this high, markets become more volatile, Peel noted. Even with bullish prices, he explained producers should manage for market volatility.

“They don’t sell on the annual average price,” he said. “They sell at specific points in time or a certain type of cattle. Anything can happen on any given day.”

“By

over $100/head savings in pasture and wintering costs.

STOCKER-GRASS A 20% savings in wintering and pasture costs can easily yield another $50-$70/head.

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External factors, for instance, cause market volatility and can hurt producers who get caught in a negative marketing window. Peel stressed the importance of producers having options to protect against this volatility.

Producers have access to many risk management tools, including the Livestock Risk Protection Insurance (LRP) option, which offers minimum price protection.

“They can also hedge cattle on the futures market, but they should remember hedging is tough in a bull market because it limits both ways,” Peel said. “Options, which work much like LRP contracts, offer downside risk protection, but leave the upside open.”

Forward contracting offers another possibility.

“Producers need to determine what alternatives are available and figure out what works best over the months ahead,” Peel said.

Politics

“Political turmoil in the U.S. and around the world brings volatility which affects cattle markets even though our fundamentals internally are solid,” Peel noted.

Tariffs and trade wars also create turbulence and a lot of uncertainty. Peel said the market is starting to feel some effects of the conflict, and he expects it to intensify going forward.

“Trade is an important part of our market. Trade issues are external to the cattle industry, but they have an

impact and we have to monitor them,” he said.

Peel also pointed out the U.S. cattle industry looks for market opportunities around the world.

“The most important ones are well identified. The biggest issue we’ve seen with tariffs relates to China, but other major markets are also softer,” he said. “Exchange rates also factor in for exports and imports. We have to watch all of those things.”

Imported beef plays a role in processing ground beef.

“Dramatic decreases in domestic cow slaughter resulted in a ground beef market at the tightest level of all beef products,” Peel said. “Anything affecting imports affects these markets. Consumers, as well as producers, need to be aware of those impacts.”

Peel said the U.S. doesn’t import ground beef but buys lean trimmings from several markets –mainly Brazil and Australia in 2024.

“Because of the tariffs on Brazil, we expect to see market disruption, and supply will be limited,” Peel said. “We have bilateral trade with Canada and Mexico. New Zealand is another source of processing beef. All of those markets are being affected to various degrees by trade issues.”

Political conflict isn’t the only thing affecting global trade. The U.S. closed its border to Mexican cattle earlier in the year to prevent the spread of New World screwworm. This makes the tight feeder market even tighter, Peel said.

Complicated industry Peel explained the U.S. cattle industry is both a complicated and a relatively simple story.

“Supply – or lack of supply – is driving the train,” he said. “We will continue to have even tighter cattle supplies, at least for feeder cattle. Beef production will continue to fall through 2026 and probably 2027.”

Many issues pose opportunities and challenges for the beef industry.

“But from a pure price standpoint, it looks like we will continue to be in a very strong price situation for the foreseeable future,” Peel concluded.

Ron Smith is a contributing writer for Farm Progress and Shelley E. Huguley is the senior editor of Southwest Farm Press. This article was originally published by Southwest Farm Press on Oct. 28.