Cattle Herd Flat

Last year about this time we were looking at the total cow herd expanding for the year. If there was any build up, which I am not to sure about, <a href="http://www.farmandranchguide.com/articles/2007/02/03/ag_news/livestock_news/live14.txt" >it is over</a>.<br />n<br />nI have to truthfully say this is good news for cattle producers. Fewer cattle will hold up cattle prices somewhat for my calves which I won't complain about. It will hold up cattle prices if corn prices don't go to high that is. If corn prices drift to high, all bets are off.<br />n<br />nI usually have a good feel for what cattle prices are going to do for the year. I keep track of all the factors as I hear about them, corn prices, herd size, weather forecasts, economic conditions, interest rates, among other things and can get a feel for what cattle prices are going to do. I won't say it is important for a rancher, you take what you can get for cattle, but if you can get a feel, sometimes you can make adjustments to your production to take advantage of situations.<br />n<br />nThis year though, I have no idea what cattle prices are going to do. With ethanol driving corn prices the way it is, I am in the dark for a change. Truthfully though, I don't think anybody knows what is going to happen. This large, sudden demand on corn is new to everybody and where we will end up is going to be interesting.<br />n<br />nWhat's the old Chinese curse, May you live in interesting times. These are interesting times in the cattle industry.<br />n<br />n<strong>There is another interesting paradox here: by immersing ourselves in what we love, we find ourselves. We do not lose ourselves. One does not lose one's identity by falling in love. Lukas Foss</strong>