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Cattle Economics

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by Wes Ishmael Feb. 24, 2011

As Prices Skyrocket, So Does The Risk

“Record-high prices do not mean record-high profits. The amount of risk is intensifying.” That’s how Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO, summed up the....More
by Wes Ishmael Jan. 27, 2011

Opinion: Growing Amid Contraction

At least 20 years ago, I heard Dave Nichols of Nichols Superior Beef Genetics in Bridgewater, IA, tell a group of cattle producers that the nation’s....More
by Wes Ishmael Jan. 6, 2011

Beef Quality Assurance Is A Stewardship Tool

Almost two decades ago, the beef industry had a demand-damning problem that no one in the cattle business was aware of: about one out of four top....More
by Wes Ishmael Dec. 7, 2010

U.S. Beef Industry Needs Export Markets

No single producer can sway entire nations to ease trade restrictions for U.S. beef exports. But, every producer can understand the economic....More
by Wes Ishmael Nov. 4, 2010

Let Free Market Work In The Cattle Business

Innovation is fueled by need, but it’s born through freedom. Ponder anything in the cattle business long taken for granted....More
by Wes Ishmael Oct. 6, 2010

Profit Prospects For Stockers Look Good This Winter

“It scares me anytime I put together a stocker budget and see much of a profit. Because if I account for all the opportunity costs....More
by Wes Ishmael Sep. 8, 2010

Don't Miss Out On Cull Cow & Bull Value

When it comes to cull cows, the difference between a troublesome afterthought and a strategic profit center is usually a few months and some feed....More
by Wes Ishmael Aug. 5, 2010

Is The Current Cattle Industry Business Model Sustainable?

“Despite worldwide population demand for beef, the U.S. beef industry is contracting,” says Barry Dunn, dean of South Dakota State University’s....More
by Wes Ishmael Jul. 2, 2010

Stocksmanship Pays

Sometimes, it’s the things you think you know but don’t which offer the most immediate opportunity. “Most technology requires additional monetary....More
by Wes Ishmael Jun. 2, 2010

Free Trade Is Fair Trade

If you support fair but free market competition, you should be concerned about the regional anti-trust workshops being conducted by USDA and the....More
by Wes Ishmael May. 1, 2010

Genetic Rut Gets Deeper As Cattle Industry Ignores Crossbreeding

Crossbreeding systems that exploit heterosis and complementarity and match genetic potential with market targets, feed resources and climate provide....More
by Wes Ishmael Apr. 1, 2010

High Cost Put Producers At A Decided Disadvantage

Dumb luck can overwhelm knowledge and rational strategy in the short term. For the long haul, though, there is no substitute for wisdom, that unique....More
by Wes Ishmael Mar. 1, 2010

Opportunity Galore For Beef Stocker Sector

The stocker cattle business will never be confused with an easy, carefree pastime. But at least the value of gain continues to run ahead of average....More
by Wes Ishmael Feb. 1, 2010

Optimism Or Caution?

Is now the time to sell cows or buy them? That's the basic question often posed at the beginning of each year to Darrell Mark, University of Nebraska....More
by Wes Ishmael Jan. 1, 2010

More Than Just Price Determines Cow-Calf Profitability

Pounds may drive revenue in the cattle business, but how those pounds appear in the marketplace, and when, determine the direction and degree....More
Contributors

Wes Ishmael

Among the industry’s most insightful thinkers, Wes Ishmael concentrates on industry price and market perspectives for BEEF magazine. Along with his monthly “Cattle Economics” column...
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What's Cattle Economics?

Wes Ishmael provides tightly focused analysis and commentary on specific beef quality and marketing issues of practical importance to beef producers.

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