Photo credit Ogallala Livestock Auction Market, https://www.facebook.com/ogallalalivestockauctionmarket

Q: What are the biggest issues standing in the way of fair cattle markets? 

There are quite a few issues facing the cattle industry, especially on the fat cattle side. We don’t have enough players when it comes to the fat cattle market.  

Q: Do you think the cattle industry is in danger of becoming vertically integrated? 

Yes, vertical integration is a concern in the cattle industry; it seems like our industry is trending that way. You see it with a lot of backgrounders who used to be independent, but now they are backgrounding cattle for bigger feedlots.  

The transition to vertical integration won’t be nearly as fast as we saw in the hog and poultry industries. The cattle industry has independent minded producers who focus on personal improvements with genetics and management, which will make it much more difficult for vertical integration to overtake our industry.   

Q: What advice do you have for producers to market their cull cows? 

Every producer’s situation differs depending on the resources they have on hand. With that being said, rather than fighting the market, now would be a good time to get those cows sold. 

Q: How has the calf market faired over the last few months at Ogallala Livestock? 

Prices have been good, good buyer attendance and good buyer activity. We’ve had solid sales throughout the fall and we’re looking forward to carrying that momentum into the winter. 

Q: What is your advice for producers needing to market bred females? 

Historically at Ogallala Livestock, December is the peak for the bred female market and it tapers off after the first of the year. In my opinion, there is still more stimulus money out there that needs to be spent before the end of the year, so we’ll most likely see this market gain some strength as 2020 comes to a close.