The Far West was not immune to the COVID-19 buying spree experienced in other parts of the West, with sales surging in the summer and continuing throughout 2020.

The cattle inventory report provides lots of information but does not answer one important question: What is the inventory of feeder cattle available to be placed in feedlots for finishing?

The inventory of all cattle and calves in the U.S. was 93.6 million head on Jan. 1, 2021, down fractionally from 93.8 million head one year ago. 

The semi-annual Cattle report indicates the industry has entered the liquidation phase.

The end of the year is a good time to step back and evaluate what was successful on the ranch, and what could be done differently.

The Holcomb, KS fire had significant effects on the beef market, but it is one of several factors that has influenced producers’ decisions to exit the industry.