Takeaways From the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention Prime Points
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Winds of Change
would cost if we were feeding for $0.65 instead of $1.30 or more. But then again, we wouldn’t be seeing such short numbers so quickly if we hadn’t been dealing with high feed costs for cow herds for the last couple of winters. Way too much of our factory went to town, along with the potential yearling that will never exist. Maybe we will rebuild more quickly than historically. It will create quite a pinch this year, but good rains in the right places, along with potentially record prices, could accelerate the diversion of heifers into the breeding herd to fill in the gaps left by the drought. If there are enough bred cows sitting in preconditioning yards and non-traditional reservoirs of genetics, maybe the cyclical pattern of regrowing our numbers will be shortened. I don’t think I am going to bet that way because prices for feeder heifers will create a strong temptation to divert some of that available grass to stocker programs rather than cow-calf. At some point, the consumer will push back against the high prices, and the quantity of animals demanded to meet their highly cultivated tastes will wane in light of inflationary pressures on their food budgets. Yep, the winds are blowing, and the last few tumbleweeds are blowing eastward toward Oklahoma. Somewhere in the canyons along the edge of the Caprock there are bound to be vast piles of them in some wind-sheltered spot. I know the open pastures around me have been scoured clean. I’m sure they left plenty of seeds for next year as they tumbled across the dry grasses. All we need is a little rain.
cooperating as he has indicated that La Niña has gone back to sleep, and El Niño awakened. “Green up” has begun to the south and east of us as several fronts have brought needed rain. In the 1880s it would have signaled the beginning of drives taking cattle to northern markets. They generally followed the green up as it crept north on the warming temperatures and spring thunderstorms. Despite the movie portrayals of vast droves of thousands of cattle swarming up the trail, the reality was that most drives consisted of several hundred animals at a time – perhaps as many as 1,500 in a single trail herd. The grass couldn’t tolerate tens of thousands of animals trampling it at once. Those out front might get a belly full, but those in the back would be left with slim pickings. The trails, if you could call them such, encompassed broad swaths of prairie and only became well defined at the crossings of what were often storm-engorged raging torrents, which we refer to as rivers. The herds spread out in order to find as much grass as possible so that they reached the westward-moving markets along the railroads to the north in good condition. You might say they were simply taking advantage of the free pasture as they slowly drifted northward. That free pasture would be nice today considering the high feed prices we have been experiencing. Cattle are high because of strong demand for the number supplied, but the cost to get them fat means we are dragging quite a hefty anchor. I can’t imagine what yearlings
ranging from animal health, equipment, precision technologies and much more. The NCBA-PAC Auction was also very successful. It was great to see the donors and bidders come together across the nation to support all the needed policy interventions and political actions necessary to protect our operations. Though my favorite moment of the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention was the opening general session, which made a lasting impression on me. This session was left to standing room only as people gathered to hear from the featured keynote speaker Taylor Sheridan, co-creator of the TV series Yellowstone and prequels 1883 and 1923. Although Sheridan appeared virtually due to an ice storm, his visitation was incredibly meaningful and inspiring. He conveyed his passion and respect for agriculture and the farmers and ranchers who feed America. He truly cares about the cultural continuation of the ranching heritage and, in philanthropist fashion, wishes to preserve that and heighten awareness to suburban and urban Americans. With his vision and dedication he, like many ranchers, took out a loan when having the chance to secure more land. Due to his leadership, he made it a point to ensure the 6666 Ranch would remain as one property and be continued as a working ranch. While making this decision to purchase 6666, he impressed me as he shared that he spoke with his son about his career goals, and ensured he’d be okay with becoming a rancher. His sincerity truly touched the audience and I believe made cattlemen realize that they had much in common with Sheridan. Further, NCBA
DID YOU ATTEND the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention in the Big Easy? This was the first time I had the chance to return in a few years and I was so thankful that I made the trip. Leaving the operation, traveling and ensuring the family chores were taken care of always makes it a bit challenging to be away, but I’m thankful for the hands at home that enabled me to join thousands of cattlemen and cattlewomen! It is always refreshing to be gathered with peers to learn more about new technologies and resources available, network, conduct business and, importantly, have a good time! The traditional Cattlemen’s College provided educational leadership with stimulating sessions and information for producers to take home to their operations. While in attendance, I also represented the West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association during the Ag & Food Policy and International Trade Committee meetings. Being a part of those committees was very insightful, and I encourage you to get involved with your state cattlemen’s association to learn more how you can become be a part of these committees and represent your state as, collectively, we work to improve our livelihood. As always, the NCBA Trade Show was huge and more than a few acres in size. It was breathtaking and housed many vendors offering products and services By Megan Webb, Ph.D. Contributing Editor
By Chris McClure Contributing Editor
I AWOKE THIS MORNING to the sounds of the wind as it swooped across the flat plains from the Southwest. The promise of warmer temperatures is welcome, but I was reminded of 2010 and 2011 when the wind never seemed to relent as the thermometer gained momentum on its way triple digits for day after blast-furnace day. I am optimistic this won’t be a return to that kind of weather. The wind also brings the sounds of my neighbor’s small preconditioning yard this morning. That sound is near silence, which is unusual. There are no bawling calves. Instead, the yard is full of cows with a few bulls sprinkled into the mix. It seems that everyone who can figure out a way to get a piece of the action is positioned for the anticipated demand for bred cows as we, hopefully, come out of the drought and into a more normal weather pattern. Even the weatherman is
Past President Don Schiefelbein played a priceless role as moderator of this opening session as he helped captured one of the greatest highlights in my mind during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention. Learning the background of Mr. Sheridan as he answered Mr. Schiefelbein’s questions inspired those in attendance to strive to continue the farming and ranching legacy and share our story through the challenges, heartbreak and barriers. This session was certainly motivational and something I won’t forget! Although the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention just wrapped up, planning is already underway for the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Orlando, Fla., Jan 31-Feb. 2. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. It should be a great time for the whole family and I hope to see you there! It was standing room only for attendees viewing Taylor Sheridan, American filmmaker opening of the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention General Session with NCBA Past President Don Schiefelbein.
Although Sheridan appeared virtually due to an ice storm, his visitation was incredibly meaningful and inspiring.
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