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Illinois cattle producer optimistic

A north central Illinois producer says things are going well in the cattle industry.

David Mool, who raises beef cattle and row crops in McLean County, says he’s optimistic the market will hold.

“I don’t envision this cow herd growing, and we certainly aren’t gonna grow it in the I-states here.”  He says, “It’s gonna have to be out West, and until those guys feel like they got enough grass or enough feed to, you know, start expansion again, I think cattle prices should remain as strong as they are.”

Mool says his biggest concern so far this year has been the dry fall.

“Pastures got dry.”  He says, “We’re supplementing feeding them. We did get enough corn acres out late last week to get the majority of the cow herd out on corn stalks. Kind of take them off the feed payroll there for the short term.”

However, he tells Brownfield he’s thankful it was a good hay season.

“Our hay was pretty good.”  He says, “Corn silage was probably as high a tonnage per acres we’ve ever seen. So, feed supplies in general in our area are as good as they’ve been in several years.”

Mool says his goal is to let his pasture recover by keeping his herd on cornstalks for as long as possible heading into winter. 

AUDIO: David Mool – Illinois farmer