Thoughts from the Middle of Nowhere

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, it is over.

I 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.

I 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.

This 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.

What's the old Chinese curse, May you live in interesting times. These are interesting times in the cattle industry.

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