70 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN March 2026 tend to be smaller cattle that are slower growing, often have color patterns deemed unacceptable in the feeder calf market and are selected for length of hair with a propensity not to shed – all traits that would make them unprofitable in a production setting. ~NC~ CHANGES IN CATTLE TYPE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 68 Our industry is at a crossroads. We need to rebuild the cow herd, but if we build it in the same mold that got us into so much trouble with the last drought, we will have doomed ourselves to failure. Our industry has traditionally been based on extremes, while optimums are the path to profitability. Leland L. (Lee) Leachman (1917-1993) of Ankony Farm had the philosophy that people like to be led. This is typically true, but be careful who you follow. Over the past couple of decades, the genetics of our cow herd has become weighted to the needs of the feedlots and packers to the detriment of the cow-calf segment. There are many visionaries out there who can lead our industry to a profitable future that balances the type of cattle we produce so that all the segments have a reasonable opportunity to be profitable. However, there are also many false prophets that will lead people into short-term fads that may be profitable for a time, but disastrous in the long term. Our industry has hundreds of years of history to back this up, so choose wisely who you follow and maintain a long-term perspective. THOUGHTS FROM THE AUTHOR LEGENDARY SINCE 1971 NEW BAG! ROZOL POCKET GOPHER BAIT Build your legacy with the legendary Rozol® Pocket Gopher Bait Burrow Builder Formula. Brought to you by Liphatech Ag, your Most Valuable Partner for effective rodent control. Rozol Pocket Gopher Bait Burrow Builder Formula is a restricted use pesticide. WE HAVE YOUR BACKS, BARNS AND BOTTOM LINES. N Bar Emulation EXT, calved Feb. 1, 1986.
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