98 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN January 2025 1/4 Horizontal Nebraska Cattleman black & white Malander Feedyards LLC August 2020 • Attention to detail • Close to major packers • Consulting nutritionist • Consulting veterinarian 308-550-0184 malanderfeedyardsllc@gmail.com 24919 State Highway 52 Fullerton, NE 68638 in a single year – so the variation in the dairy herd is much smaller,” Linnell shared. The composition shift from straight dairy-type to beef-dairy cross fed slaughter has occurred at the same time as the overall dairy-influence supply has grown. This growth is starting to plateau and may decline as dairy producers need to breed for dairy replacement females, but it’s not going away. Another component of supply is increasing feeder cattle imports from Mexico, nearing 1.4 million head in 2024, as well as the historically large number of heifers coming from Mexico. The border being closed with New World Screwworm outbreak has slowed totals, but those cattle will still be coming into the states when the border opens, adding to 2025 numbers. Cattle on feed as of Jan. 1, 2025, is projected to be near even compared to the year prior, and down 1 percent compared to the five-year average. With about 400,000 fewer cattle outside of feedyards available to place, fewer projected feeder cattle imports from Mexico and expected heifer retention, cattle on feed numbers are expected to drop substantially below year-ago levels moving through 2025. Factors to Watch CattleFax’s Randy Blach concluded with key takeaways, emphasizing risk management and understanding market trends to avoid market volatility. “In each of your operations, we need to start looking at carrying more protection on these cattle than the last two to three years as the market has gone through this price increase,” Blach stated. Industry profitability will continue to swing in favor of the cow-calf producer as excess feeding and packing capacities chase a declining supply of feeder cattle and calves. The industry must continue to prioritize and invest in beef quality to sustain the positive demand trends and consumer preferences. “Beef demand growth in the industry is being driven by Choice and higher [USDA] Quality Grades, while the demand for lower quality red meat has remained flat,” Blach revealed. “The industry has seen tremendous improvements in areas like genetic selection and efficiency in beef production, which have contributed to improving beef quality.” Last, Blach emphasized the importance of getting involved in state and national-level policy and regulations in the cattle industry. “It may be the most important work that each and every one of you do is to take the time to invest in your state and national ag organizations. There are fewer and fewer of us out here, so we have to be involved in these decisions and make sure our voices are heard.” For more cattle market analysis and membership information, visit CattleFax.com. ~NC~ CATTLEFAX SEMINAR FOCUSES ON 2025 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43
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