Three Things Beef Producers Should Know

Article by Shaylee Stewart at DTN/Progressive Farmer

Although just last week the cattle complex was trading red-hot and climbing to new highs in both the fed cash cattle market and the live cattle contracts, unfortunately, in the fast-paced world we live in, that doesn't mean we can take our eye off the ball and become lackadaisical.

As the calendar has now officially turned to May, here are three things that you may want to ponder in your spare time.

Drought and its consequences should be at the forefront of your mind. With much of the U.S. affected by drought to one degree or another, it's worth considering how drought could affect your operation in the next month, three months and six months. For some producers, unfortunately, that could mean selling pairs early this year, as they simply don't have the grass to turn out on. For others, that could mean selling some less desirable stock to keep stocking rates low on vulnerable grasslands.

The current drought situation is concerning for one key reason: the High Plains' prime growing season runs from April through June, yet above-normal moisture isn't expected until later in the summer. By the time that rainfall arrives, it may be too late to meaningfully improve pasture conditions this year.

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