Agricultural News
Fantastic Prices Make It an Exciting Time to be in the Cattle Business- Kelsey Offers State of the Industry
Fri, 24 Oct 2014 05:46:21 CDT
Strong demand with limited supply is making it an ideal time to be in the cattle business. In visiting with the state's cattle producers, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey said cattlemen are excited to be in the beef industry.
"Bull prices and the fall bull sales have been unbelievable," Kelsey said. "Replacement heifer sales are fantastic. We hear a lot of comments about producers saying I wish I had more to sell at these prices levels."
In a interview with Radio Oklahoma Network's Leslie Smith, Kelsey talked about the future of the industry.
While there is concern that these high prices may be short term, Kelsey said in listening to Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Dr. Derrell Peel there is a optimistic for the longer term. Peel has forecasted cattle prices should hold strong for the next several years, barring any major catastrophes. Even with that optimism, Kelsey said Oklahoma producers will be slow to rebuild their herds.
"I think people are being realistic," Kelsey said. "Hay is in good supply, but runoff in terms of pond water is very much lacking and so I think cattlemen are just being realistic."
In the midst of these record prices Kelsey is seeing some younger producers getting into the business and starting their own herds. Even though buying cattle and getting access to land and equipment requires a lot of capital, Kelsey is seeing producers who are finding ways to make it happen.
On the regulatory front OCA's number one priority stopping the US 'Waters of the US' proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency and US Army Corps of Engineers. Currently the public can comment on the proposed rule through the Federal Register. Recently the comment period was extended until November 14th. Kelsey said this allows the public more time to comment.
"This is potentially the largest grab in the history of our country," Kelsey said. "EPA has indicated that what they are wanting to understand with the proposal of this rule is what land they have jurisdiction over."
He said its vitally important producers submit their comments by November 14th.
Kelsey also addressed the latest ruling from the World Trade Organization over US Country of Origin Labeling and the proposal from US Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to create a second beef checkoff. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for the full interview.
Meanwhile- Farm Director Ron Hays will be joined by Kelsey on his "In the Field" segment Saturday morning at 6:40 on KWTV News9 in Oklahoma City.
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