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Missouri cattle producers continue to eye herd expansion as cattle prices remain strong

Some southwest Missouri cattle producers remain optimistic about herd expansion despite lingering drought concerns.

Vance Keaton says he’s purchasing cattle for his operation.

“We’ve been adding some,” he says. “And we’re finally getting paid for the product we produce and we can make a profit. We’re able to pay off some tractors, other things and send kids to school. I think there’s a positive vibe out here.”

Josh Worthington says Missouri cattle producers were able to put up good forage before drought conditions intensified this fall.

“There’s not a lot of nervousness yet, but we’d take a rain,” says Worthington.

While there are signs pointing to regional expansion, Worthington says there are several factors pressuring nationwide herd rebuilding.

“Whether it’s drought, interest rates, labor issues or an aging farmer or rancher who isn’t looking at growth,” he says.

Tanner Clark tells Brownfield increased cattle productivity means the size of the nation’s herd doesn’t necessarily need to return to historical highs.

“About 75 years ago, the cows we were killing was 1,000 pounds and now, they’re 1,700 pounds. We’re getting so much more beef per carcass and where are we going to put those cows?”

Worthington says the process will take time. “The cattle inventory doesn’t change overnight.”

Brownfield interviewed Clark, Keaton and Worthington at the Ozark Fall Farmfest.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Vance Keaton.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Tanner Clark.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Josh Worthington.