What will it take for cow-calf operations to thrive?
Alfredo DiCostanzo, Beef Systems Extension Educator, University of Nebraska
Although recently shaken down by news that Argentinian beef imports would be sought to reduce retail beef prices, feeder calf prices have hit new highs nearly every week this year. With 5-cwt feeder steers selling at or above $450/cwt (nearly $2,500 for a 550-lb calf), one might think this is a large windfall for cow-calf operators.
Yet, the most recent Nebraska Farm Business report indicates that the cost of producing a calf in 2024 was $1,737 per cow. Although this value is derived from five farms, simple tallying of costs associated with keeping a cow a year on most Nebraska farms and ranches supports this observation.
Even during this period of high feeder calf prices, at this high cost, the net margin narrows rapidly. Assume that 90 out of 100 cows wean a calf for sale weighing 550 lb ($225,000 or $2,250 not $2,500 per cow). This figure brings the net margin to $513 per cow ($2,250 - $1,737).
We all know these high feeder calf prices will someday adjust based on larger cow and calf inventories. Therefore, it is probably worthwhile considering what it will take for cow-calf operations moving into the next peak in inventories to thrive.
Simply put, a $1,000 annual cow cost with 90% of the cows weaning 550 lb calves requires $200/cwt feeder calf price to break even. Extending the $1,000 annual cow cost to $1,500 and keeping weaning percentage and weight the same brings break-even price to $300/cwt.
Where prices go is anybody’s guess. What is most likely assured is that the cost of doing cow-calf business is not going down. Cow-calf operations that will thrive in the next 10 years will have to keep annual production costs below $1,500 per cow and/or output greater than 550-lb calves from 90% of the cows. As mentioned, costs of doing business are not decreasing. Therefore, what is a cow-calf operator to do?
The only option is to dilute production costs with greater output. In other words, are there opportunities for the cow-calf operation to wean more and heavier calves? I believe the answer is yes. This will increase the cost of production, but the incremental gain achieved from weaning more or heavier calves should offset that.
What strategies should be considered? In the long term, producers should evaluate the possibility of increasing weaning weight by reintroducing heterosis or simply by careful selection of sires that will add growth pre-weaning. In some cases, the use of terminal sires to increase weaning weight will add pounds without affecting cow size. However, calves with greater pre-weaning growth potential will require a higher plane of nutrition to achieve this potential.
Although difficult to obtain for a given region, there is indication that weaning weight trends over time are flat. This demonstrates one of two things: 1) zero or no selection pressure for pre-weaning growth or 2) energy supply pre-weaning does not match growth potential. Because many post-weaning traits including growth have improved over time, selection pressure for growth is likely incorporated in cow-calf production systems.
Driving around summer observing pastures and pasture management gives the indication that pre-weaning energy supply is likely the limiting factor in improving weaning weights. The simplest option to improve pre-weaning growth is to use creep feeding. For quite some time, calf prices relative to feed prices have been favorable to use of creep feeding.
Alternatively, cow-calf operators, particularly in areas where forage or grain cropping occur, should ask themselves whether there is access to cover crops or double cropping on their fields to support pre-weaning calf growth. Is there an opportunity to use cover crops before or after harvesting corn for silage or earlage? Will a summer harvest of small grains or silage permit a window of time to graze cover crops late summer and into the fall? Grazing cover crops by growing calves or wintering cows should reduce the reliance on using equipment to feed these cattle in a drylot.
Lastly, during years when corn prices are low (and calf prices are high), should cow-calf operators consider growing grass on corn fields including under pivots instead of corn? A single cow nursing a calf from an acre otherwise dedicated to raising corn for 180 days would produce at least 360 lb calf gain valued at $1,620 ($420 cwt) and maintaining herself for that time at a savings in pasture rental of $400. The same acre harvested as corn would bring $1,000 in a $4/bu corn market.
NDA ANNOUNCES 2025-2026 NEBRASKA AG YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERS
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) works to assist the future generation of ag leaders through the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC). NAYC is a group of college students who work together to share their knowledge of the agricultural industry with young people across the state. NDA is proud to sponsor the NAYC and announce the 2025-2026 Council members.
“The NAYC is a unique opportunity that allows the next generation to help educate Nebraska youth about the importance of agriculture across the state, from Omaha to Scottsbluff,” said NDA Director Sherry Vinton. “It’s an exciting time every year to see the new faces leading the charge and I’m looking forward to working with these Council members. Their hard work helps to shape the future of the ag industry.”
NAYC members work together to coordinate and participate in ag-related activities and events, such as tours and educational opportunities. Council members will visit elementary schools and spend time discussing where food comes from and share career opportunities with high school students. The primary focus of NAYC is to organize the annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), a five-day summer conference where high school juniors and seniors from across Nebraska learn more about agriculture through educational speakers, workshops and networking.
This is NAYI’s 55th year and is the longest running event of its kind in the nation. It is made possible through the generous donations of our many sponsors.
Here is a list of the 2025-2026 NAYC Leadership and their hometowns:
Head Counselors: Braydon Binger, Hay Springs; Caleb Burnside, Stapleton
President: Abigail Hodges, Julian
Secretary: Caleb Most, Ogallala
Vice President of Communications and Social Media: Carleigh Tietz, Norfolk
Vice President of Alumni Relations: Alexa Carter, Rising City
Vice President of NAYI Improvement and Promotions: Morgan Bonifas, Aurora
Vice President of Youth Outreach: Austin Kamm, Lincoln; and
Vice Presidents of Sponsorship: Cora Hoffschneider, Waco; Carson Mau, Sutton
Additional NAYC members and their hometowns include Baylor Behrens, Friend; Gavin Bell, Hemingford; Alex Boudreau, Minden; Brie Bruns, Pender; Sam Cederburg, Minden; Morgan Havlovic, Prague; Emily Holz, Syracuse; Libby Macklin, Blue Hill; Josephine Turnbull, Waco; Will Vyhnalek, Friend; Colter Wright, Burwell.
“With one in four jobs in Nebraska relating to agriculture it’s important to educate young people about where food comes from and the career opportunities that await them in the future,” said Christin Kamm, NDA Communications Director and NAYC Advisor. “These Council members work hard each year, dedicating their time and sharing their passion for agriculture.”
To learn more about NAYC, visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/nayc or search for Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute on Facebook.
Nebraska Beef Passport Travelers Earn Top Honors in 2025 Season
After another summer of beef-fueled adventures across the state, the Nebraska Beef Council has announced the grand prize winners of the 2025 Nebraska Beef Passport program.
Keith Morrison of Nebraska City and Dave Hayes of Ralston were recognized for their outstanding participation in this year’s passport season, each earning a $250 beef bundle courtesy of the Nebraska Beef Council and the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors. Both Morrison and Hayes were first-time participants in the Beef Passport program.
“We travel to Colorado quite a bit, and my wife’s family has a ranch near Harrison, so the Beef Passport was a great way to find new places to eat as we drove across Nebraska,” said Hayes. “The online map was really helpful and took us to several spots we’d never visited before.”
Now in its fifth year, the Beef Passport continues to inspire Nebraskans and travelers alike to experience the state’s exceptional beef scene. The 2025 program featured 30 restaurants and 27 meat shops, giving participants the opportunity to enjoy beef in a variety of settings from hometown bar & grills to specialty meat processors.
The passport season extended from May 1st through September 30th, with 1,700 passes distributed in both print and digital form. Participants represented more than 300 communities across Nebraska, as well as a few neighboring states. Collectively, travelers recorded thousands of check-ins and redeemed over 200 individual prizes - the most awarded since the program began.
“The Beef Passport has become a fun and unique way to explore Nebraska,” said Adam Wegner, director of marketing for the Nebraska Beef Council. “It’s rewarding to see how this program brings people together around great food, local businesses, and the pride we all share for Nebraska’s beef community.”
Participants who visited at least five locations earned points toward beef-themed prizes, while nearly 20 avid beef fans achieved Beef Passport Hall of Fame status by completing 30 or more stops during the season. Each check-in at a passport location also qualified as an entry into the beef bundle grand prize give-a-way.
For details about the Nebraska Beef Passport and future announcements, visit www.GoodLifeGreatSteaks.org
Farm Transition and Estate Planning Webinar on Nov. 20
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team monthly webinar series continues on Thursday, November 20 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. CST. This program will be presented by Tim Christensen with a focus on beginning the process of farm transition.
Tim Christensen will focus on the steps of creating a farm succession plan and estate transition planning. Attendees will have a better understanding of the how’s and the why’s of this process and where to go to find the resources and information to make the right plan for their family.
Tim Christensen is a Farm Management Specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Southwest Iowa, For the last eight years Tim has worked educating Iowa farmers in areas of Farm Succession and many other subjects.
All farmers and livestock producers interested in farm transition are encouraged to attend the free webinar live from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20 by registering at least one hour before the webinar at: https://go.iastate.edu/FARMTRANSITION.
For more information contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu.
Trump Calls for DOJ Investigation Into Meatpacking Companies Amid Beef Price Concerns
President Donald Trump is calling on the Department of Justice to investigate major meatpacking companies, alleging they are driving up beef prices through “illicit collusion, price fixing, and price manipulation.” Trump made the statements in posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Friday.
Trump argued that foreign-owned meatpacking firms are artificially inflating beef prices, blaming ranchers for rising costs and threatening the nation’s food security.
“We will always protect our American Ranchers, and they are being blamed for what is being done by Majority Foreign Owned Meat Packers,” he wrote. “Action must be taken immediately to protect Consumers, combat Illegal Monopolies, and ensure these Corporations are not criminally profiting at the expense of the American People.”
In a follow-up post, Trump highlighted a disparity between cattle prices and retail beef costs, saying, “While Cattle Prices have dropped substantially, the price of Boxed Beef has gone up — Therefore, you know that something is ‘fishy.’ We will get to the bottom of it very quickly. If there is criminality, those people responsible will pay a steep price!”
The posts come amid ongoing debate over U.S. agricultural trade policies. Trump defended tariffs imposed during his administration, saying they helped domestic cattle producers. “Cattle ranchers don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well … is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States, including a 50% Tariff on Brazil,” he wrote. He also urged producers to lower prices, emphasizing that “the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking.”
Trump’s comments follow his recent suggestion that the U.S. could import beef from Argentina to reduce costs for American consumers. The proposal drew quick criticism from cattle industry groups, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, R-CALF USA, and the Nebraska Cattlemen, who warned that increased imports could disrupt the domestic market and harm producers still recovering from drought and past market contractions.
According to USDA data cited by DTN, Argentina exported nearly 99 million pounds of beef to the U.S. in 2024 — less than 5% of its total exports — while total U.S. beef imports reached a record 4.6 billion pounds. Industry groups maintain that while imports may help consumers in the short term, they could undermine domestic producers and derail ongoing recovery efforts.
Meat Institute Issues Statement on Beef Processing Sector DOJ Investigation
The Meat Institute today released the following statement on President Trump’s call for a Department of Justice investigation into the beef processing sector:
“Despite high consumer prices for beef, beef packers have been losing money because the price of cattle is at record highs,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “For more than a year, beef packers have been operating at a loss due to a tight cattle supply and strong demand.
“The beef industry is heavily regulated, and market transactions are transparent. The government’s own data from USDA confirms that the beef packing sector is experiencing catastrophic losses and experts predict this will continue into 2026.
“U.S. beef processors welcome a fact-based discussion about beef affordability and how best to meet the needs of American consumers, who are the industry’s most important stakeholders.
“Beef packers rely on cattle producers and cattle producers rely on beef packers. The entire beef value chain is strongest when supply is balanced by demand. Beef packers remain committed to ensuring safe, delicious, and nutrient dense beef remains affordable to American families who rely on its nourishment. We welcome the President and his team to visit our members' beef facilities, both large and small, to witness firsthand the pride, skill, and dedication they bring to their work every single day.”
Updated Program Fuels Ethanol Education for High Schools
A newly updated ethanol education program for high schoolers, presented by the Renewable Fuels Foundation, is now available for teachers and others, to help students in grades 9–12 learn about ethanol and understand the value of the lower-cost, American-made renewable fuel.
In the course of four stops on a GPS-style map, students learn what ethanol is, its environmental benefits, how it creates jobs, and how it can be used. An activity sheet provided by Kansas Corn STEM helps students and their teachers monitor their progress.
“At a time when there are so many myths and much misunderstanding about renewable fuels like ethanol, offering the right education materials is crucial,” said RFF Chairman Neal Kemmet. “The Renewable Fuels Foundation is proud to offer this revised program that takes advantage of the newest information and modes of learning for students, in a format that respects their time and their intelligence. With high schoolers learning how to drive or being new drivers, it’s even more important that they learn how to choose the best option as they pull up to the pump to fuel their vehicle.”
The high school module is one part of RFF’s overall Ethanol in the Classroom effort. Other modules cover grades 3–5 and grades 6–8, where students choose a vehicle to navigate an interactive roadmap for their online journey to learn about ethanol, earning badges along the way. Students end their trip with a final true-false, no-stress “Ethanol Challenge” to reinforce what they’ve learned in the course.
The Renewable Fuels Foundation was established to help meet the education, research and strategic planning needs of the U.S. fuel ethanol industry.
Clean Fuels Urges EPA to Finalize 2026-27 RFS Rule and Reallocate All Small Refinery Exemptions
Clean Fuels Alliance America Friday urged EPA to quickly finalize the overdue Renewable Fuel Standard rule for 2026 and 2027 and to fully reallocate all granted and expected small refinery exemptions. Clean Fuels' comments are in reaction to EPA’s decision today to grant additional small refinery exemptions and return more RINs to the market.
Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels’ Vice President of Federal Affairs, stated, “Clean Fuels calls on EPA to keep its commitment to farmers and clean fuel producers and fully reallocate all exemptions granted so far or expected in coming years. We appreciate EPA making decisions on exemptions in time to be accounted for in the pending rule, but we also ask the agency to finalize the overdue 2026 and 2027 RFS rule by December 31. And we emphasize that EPA must include both a full SRE reallocation volume for 2023 through 2025 exemptions as well as a prospective estimate of exempted volumes for 2026 and 2027.”
EPA recently closed comments on a Supplemental Notice to increase 2026 and 2027 RFS obligations in order to reallocate small refinery exemptions granted in August. The agency notified stakeholders that it intends to include all exemptions granted before the rule is finalized in the reallocation calculation.
“EPA understands that small refinery exemptions will destroy demand for biomass-based diesel over the next several years by enabling refiners to avoid RFS obligations. Clean Fuels recently provided EPA data showing that biodiesel and renewable diesel producers could lose billions of gallons of demand over the next two years and farmers stand to lose as much as forty cents on every bushel of soybeans, if the agency fails to reallocate small refinery exemptions. Accounting for 100% of the exemptions granted and expected is the only way to ensure that robust 2026 and 2027 RFS volumes will be met.”
CHS Foundation and CoBank Partner to Donate $2 Million to Feeding America® Amid Rising Needs at Rural Food Banks
As food insecurity continues to rise across the United States, the CHS Foundation and CoBank are joining forces to support Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, with a combined $2 million donation. The CHS Foundation and CoBank will each contribute $1 million to help food banks meet growing demand for food, with a focus on rural communities.
According to Feeding America, 47 million people in the U.S. experience food insecurity, including nearly 14 million children. Hunger is present in every community, and food banks are experiencing heightened demand as families work hard to afford basic necessities. According to Feeding America, 86% of counties with the highest food insecurity are rural.
“CHS and the CHS Foundation believe in the power of the cooperative system to support rural communities,” says Jay Debertin, CHS president and CEO. “Through this combined effort with CoBank and Feeding America, we’re helping families in rural America have access to the food they need.”
Funds from the CHS Foundation and CoBank will support rural food banks, ensuring support reaches the places where the need is most immediate and where our members, customers and employees live and work.
“Food insecurity is a growing challenge in rural America, where families are struggling to put meals on the table,” says Tom Halverson, CEO of CoBank. “Our mission is rooted in strengthening rural communities, and this partnership with the CHS Foundation and Feeding America is about delivering nourishment where it’s needed most.”
The donation comes at a time when food banks are doing everything they can to support their communities. Feeding America’s network of more than 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs continues to serve millions of people in America each week.
“Ending hunger for good in rural communities - where food insecurity rates are disproportionately high, especially among children - requires dedicated partnerships and collective action. We are so grateful for this collaborative, generous and focused donation from the CHS Foundation and CoBank,” said Linda Nageotte, president and chief operating officer at Feeding America
Case IH Unveils Its Highest Horsepower Tractor Yet with Steiger 785 Quadtrac
Case IH is doubling down on power and productivity with the new Steiger® 785 Quadtrac®, increasing the iconic tractor’s horsepower by almost 10% over the previous model. The newest Steiger model offers increased power, 853 peak hp, for farmers who are aiming to get even more done on their operations, without decreasing speed.
The higher horsepower has a purpose and drives productivity, allowing farmers to handle larger implements or pull the same implements even faster, offering an impressive 40% torque rise. Designed to provide more power to the ground, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac also offers a superior operator experience and cab comfort.
Two precision Technology Packages are available for the Steiger 785 Quadtrac, with technology features to simplify ordering and ensure customers are equipped with the tech suite they need for their operation. Farmers can gain access to subscription-free, integrated precision technology that delivers automation-driven features such as AccuTurn™ Pro and AccuSync™, along with clear, actionable data through FieldOps™, all designed to meet the unique needs of their operation.
“Producers today need more from their equipment — more power and peak productivity,” said Alexey Savinov, EMEA product marketing manager for Steiger tractors at Case IH. “The new Steiger 785 Quadtrac is built to deliver exactly that, combining increased horsepower and torque with the reliability operators count on to make the most of every day in the field.”
Even with the increase in horsepower, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac is nimble enough for single-lane roads with its excellent visibility and maneuverability for an optimal driving experience. The 42 km/h transport speed gets operators from field to field quicker, enhancing their efficiency. While a fuel capacity of 1,970 liters allows for more time in the field between fueling.
The optional Quadtrac Heavy-Duty Suspension sets the bar in track technology with a fully suspended undercarriage system that combines ground-conforming double axis roller wheels and exclusive load-sharing hydraulic suspension. This durable, agronomically designed system delivers a smoother ride, faster transport speeds up to 26.5 mph, and superior traction and flotation—reducing soil compaction while maximizing in-field performance.
The Steiger 785 Quadtrac holds strong value thanks to long-term advantages such as Connectivity Included, providing access to machine and agronomic data without subscription fees, and a simplified SCR-only emission system that keeps engine design simple and allows the engine to focus on producing power while emissions is treated after the engine system.
Agritechnica 2025 will mark the European debut of the new Steiger 785 Quadtrac — a bold step forward in high-horsepower performance — along with the latest innovations across the Case IH tractor lineup, harvesting and haytools, and precision technology solutions.
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