By Scout Nelson
CattleFax Vice President of Industry Relations Kevin Good shared his outlook on the cattle market during the August 13 KLA/Kansas State University Ranch Management Field Day at McCurry Angus Ranch near Burrton. Speaking to nearly 160 attendees, Good said the beef industry appears to be transitioning from a prolonged liquidation phase toward stabilization, as producers begin retaining more heifers despite ongoing drought conditions and elevated feed costs.
Good cautioned that cattle markets are likely to become more balanced in the years ahead. He noted that larger domestic cattle supplies, the reopening of the Mexican border, and declining retail leverage could reduce the price strength the industry has experienced in recent years.
He added that the tightest cattle supplies and strongest market leverage are likely in the rearview mirror, although market conditions should remain favorable. Looking further ahead, Good said he expects cattle prices over the next five to 10 years to settle at higher levels than those seen during previous market cycles.
Another key session focused on the growing challenge of woody plant encroachment across grasslands. Natural Resources Conservation Service State Prescribed Burn Specialist Dusty Tacha led a discussion with ranchers Chad Basinger and Jay and John Stuckey on how trees and brush reduce forage production by consuming large amounts of water and can increase wildfire risks.
The producers shared their approaches to managing encroachment, including prescribed fire, mechanical removal, and herbicide applications. Basinger emphasized that restoring grasslands requires consistent, long-term management efforts to achieve lasting results.
McCurry Angus Ranch owner John McCurry also highlighted the ranch's use of Halter virtual fencing technology to improve grazing management. The system uses GPS-enabled collars and a mobile app to remotely direct cattle movements, helping optimize rotational grazing on irrigated Bermuda grass pastures and make more efficient use of available forage.
Hosted by the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) and Kansas State University, the field day showcased research-based management practices and emerging technologies aimed at improving ranch productivity and sustainability.
The proceedings from the field day can be found here, and the event was sponsored by the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas and Huvepharma, while HP Rafter Lazy T Ranch will host the August 27 field day near Hoxie, with additional information available here.
Photo Credit: kansas-livestock-foundation.jpg
Categories: Kansas, Education, Livestock