46 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN November 2026 1/3 Rectangle Nebraska Cattleman SALES Ken Petersen - 712-870-2247 Kyle Zellmer - 712-870-3391 JJ Petersen - 402-917-4903 Council Bluffs, IA, 712-366-5221 Neligh, NE, 402-887-5638 Sioux City, IA, 712-266-3832 www.rueterco.com www.na.hd-hyundaice.com VALUE Cash is king– Make more money & spend less, with Hyundai Wheel Loaders. • More Standard Features • Industry - Best Total Coverage Warranty • Hi-mate Remote Management Service – FREE for 3 years • Industry - Leading Fuel Economy • Industry - Leading Cycle Times Industryʼs Best Total Coverage Warranty: 3-year / 3,000 - hour full machine warranty & 5-year / 10,000 - hour structural warranty HYUNDAI WARRANTY Council Bluffs, IA, 712-366-5221 Neligh, NE, 402-887-5638 Sioux City, IA, 712-266-3832 www.rueterco.com JJ Petersen 402-917-4903 supplies historically tight and support strong cattle prices. Weather also remains one of the biggest drivers of grain market volatility. Braun explains that markets do not simply react to weather forecasts; they react to changing expectations. “It all depends on what your expectations are now, what the market may already be pricing in and whether the forward forecast is somewhat of a surprise or a continuation of some already challenging conditions,” she says. That distinction matters because corn prices directly affect feed costs throughout the cattle industry. Feedlots, backgrounding operations and cow-calf producers all feel the impact when grain prices move sharply higher or lower. One of Braun’s most interesting observations is the growing role of real-world observations in shaping market sentiment. “The market tends to react to actual boots-on-the-ground observations,” she says. “When you see farmers posting pictures of a damaged field on social media or talking about drought conditions, that travels, the market sees it and people talk about it.” In other words, today’s markets often move before official reports are released because information travels faster than ever before. Beyond weather and crop production, Braun believes trade remains one of the most important variables for agriculture moving forward. “I think we are super sensitive to China and figuring out how trade is going to proceed,” she says. “Any kind of developments around China and trade are very, very important right now.” While those discussions frequently focus on grain exports, cattle producers have an important stake in the outcome as well. Expanding demand for beef around the world creates opportunities for U.S. producers, while disruptions in trade can quickly pressure agricultural markets. The larger lesson is that no segment of agriculture operates independently anymore. Weather affects crop production. Crop production influences grain prices. Grain prices impact feeding costs. Trade policy affects commodity demand. Together, those forces shape profitability for cattle producers. Braun believes producers benefit from stepping back and looking at the broader picture. “I like to zoom out,” she says. “Sometimes zoom in and see what’s really at the root of this and how the potential outcome compares historically and how it might impact the broader picture.” That advice may be especially valuable as the cattle industry looks ahead. Record cattle prices have provided opportunities for many producers, but decisions about expansion, replacement heifers, feed purchases and risk management will depend heavily on weather and market conditions over the next several years. Perhaps Braun summarizes it best when discussing agriculture’s interconnected future. “What’s going on in my backyard may not be what’s going on in everyone else’s backyard,” she says. “Understanding how it all fits together on not only a national scale but an international scale will take us very far.” For Nebraska cattle producers, that is a message worth remembering. The future of the cattle business will still depend on rain, grass and good management. But increasingly, success will also require understanding the forces shaping agriculture far beyond the fence line. ~NC~ About NCIG: NCIG was established as a partnership between Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) and FNIC to provide you, Nebraska’s beef producers, with risk management services specific to the work you do. This joint venture is a valuable benefit for current and new NC members. With NCIG, you have access to a variety of leading carriers to provide a vast selection of products at competitive rates. Our team of licensed professionals provides support with claims, loss control, safety and compliance. You also have access to personal and employee health insurance options including access to a direct primary care program powered by Strada Healthcare. Learn more at nebraskacattlemen.org/ncig. NCIG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 NC Trade Show Exhibitor
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