As cattle producers across the country evaluate opportunities for herd expansion, Kansas State (K-State) University beef experts say careful management and long-term planning remain essential for making sound business decisions, even while market signals are shifting.
On a recent episode of the Beef Cattle Institute’s “Cattle Chat” podcast, experts discussed the challenges and considerations surrounding herd expansion in today’s market.
Jason Warner, K-State cow-calf specialist, said that despite stronger cattle prices, national trends show limited herd growth. “Relative to cattle on feed numbers, we are not seeing a lot of herd expansion at this point,” Warner said.
Veterinarian Scott Fritz noted that for some producers, the current market conditions make expansion less appealing. “It doesn’t sound like a good business deal to buy high and sell low,” Fritz said.
Market fluctuations are part of the industry’s natural cycle, veterinarian Brad White said.
“It balances out,” White said. “A long-term perspective is essential when evaluating opportunities like herd expansion.”
Veterinarian Bob Larson echoed that sentiment, saying producers should avoid short-term reactions to market changes. “Five years from now, the current prices may not seem too bad—you just never know,” Larson said.
When considering expansion, White posed the question many producers are asking: “If you were a cow-calf producer, what would you do?”
Larson advised producers to start with the basics—understanding the ranch’s carrying capacity and ensuring herd productivity. “Marry forage well and stock appropriately,” Larson said. “Make sure your cows get bred. Check bull fertility and body condition before breeding, because it never goes out of style to have a highly reproductive herd.”
Warner encouraged producers to carefully evaluate their financial position and land resources. “Know what your production costs are and consider what you expect feeder calf prices might be in the future,” he said. “Also, consider your current cow-to-land ratio to ensure your resources can support herd expansion.”
The experts agreed that while herd expansion may be tempting in a strong market, sustainable growth depends on reproductive efficiency, forage management and economic planning. — K-State Research and Extension
