Your Ag Network

I was once again doing some traveling yesterday and my destination was another cattle market auction barn. Like, where else would I go? Once again, this sale barn is no doubt the economic driver of that area. I’m sure that on sale day the population of this community swells and there is more gas and diesel pumped and more groceries sold than any other day of the week.

I have had to do some traveling through a lot of small towns the last few weeks. I love slowing waaaaaay down as I cruise through these little town’s main streets. There are hidden gems all around us! If we want to keep these small businesses open in our communities, we have to support them.

In recent news and to no surprise the Brazilian bad actors have been lax and not really forth coming with informing their global market about their cases of BSE, also known as mad cow disease.

It is so exciting to watch men and women with roots in the ranching community go on and chase their dreams at the highest levels. No one is cheering louder than little wranglers sitting back here in the heartland watching their idols and heros on the big screen.

During this busy season I think it is important to remember that kids really do not need a lot. It reminds me of a few years back when our school principal stood in front of the audience at the little school Christmas program and said, “Your presence is the best gift you can give your child!”

I see the best of rural America every day, but it is right now during the holiday season where small town America shines the brightest! The people of our small towns truly extend themselves in effort and time to creating magic and spirit at every turn, if you look for it!

The beef supply chain is moving product at a healthy clip. Front end of feedlot supplies have tightened especially in the north giving feeders the leverage they have long needed to take back some control. Packers have hefty holiday orders to fill and for the first time in awhile they are having to get out and about to compete for some cattle. While $1.40 fat cattle is no doubt a move in the right direction it doesn’t even begin to compete with the rising inflationary costs of inputs. So before we all break out the cowbell and have a party, let’s keep in mind the bottom line of the cash flow sheet and what it takes to get fat cattle to their end point.

I got to roll through some small towns that I have never visited in my state. Literally the types of little towns where the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker are still in business.

Today I want to take you on a little journey with me reliving a road trip I took earlier this week. Next to staying home on my own ranch this was as close to a perfect day as anything I need to make me happy.

BIG Thursday Price Discovery Edition of the Hot Barn Report!

Heard ONLY on American radio stations across the nation and online at hotbarnreport.com!