44 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 BEYOND THE FENCE LINE JOE ROBERTS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FNIC For most cattle producers, success starts with the basics – healthy cattle, productive pastures and enough moisture to grow forage. But in today’s agricultural economy, ranch profitability is increasingly influenced by factors far beyond the pasture gate. That was one of the key messages from a recent conversation with Karen Braun, chief market analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge and one of agriculture’s most respected market commentators. Drawing on her background in meteorology and grain markets, Braun offered insights that every cattle producer should be paying attention to. The first is that agriculture has become truly global. “The market and what’s going on in the market extends well beyond their farm and well beyond the U.S. border,” Braun says. “In 2026, it’s never been truer.” For cattle producers, that means more than simply watching feeder cattle prices. Grain markets, trade policy, international demand and weather events around the world all influence the cost of doing business. Feed prices, hay values and ultimately cattle profitability are connected to a much larger economic picture than many producers realize. While global events matter, weather remains the great equalizer in agriculture. After several challenging years of drought, there may be reason for cautious optimism. “The most recent Super El Niños, there was virtually no drought once we emerged into the spring across the Plains,” Braun says. “There is a very clear pattern of precipitation in the last couple months of the year and early winter months.” For Nebraska ranchers, that possibility could be significant. Drought has impacted nearly every aspect of the cattle business in recent years. Reduced forage production forced many producers to liquidate cows, purchase expensive supplemental feed or postpone expansion plans altogether. Improved moisture would not solve every problem overnight, but it could begin replenishing pastures, rebuilding hay supplies and creating opportunities for herd growth. Still, Braun cautioned producers against assuming relief is guaranteed. “The question becomes: Will the winter precipitation and early spring precipitation be enough to really make a difference?” she says. “That’s a bigger hurdle that we have to climb over this year.” That uncertainty has direct implications for cattle producers. Improved pasture conditions could encourage heifer retention and herd rebuilding. Continued dryness could keep cattle CONSIDER THIS PEERS NCIG WHY CATTLE PRODUCERS NEED TO WATCH WEATHER, GRAIN MARKETS AND GLOBAL TRADE CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
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