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Nebraska cattle producer says drought, market volatility are top concerns for industry

A western Nebraska cattle producer says she’s concerned with ongoing drought and market volatility.

Jaclyn Wilson tells Brownfield after getting great rainfall in the spring, it’s been mostly dry.

“I think that’s been one of the challenges, making sure our grazing management systems are in place, our drought management program is in place and really focusing on those cattle well-being. I think it’s been at the foremost of everything right now,” she says.

Wilson says while the beef market has seen record prices, producers are mindful that could change anytime.

“I think the difference between this cycle and some of the current ones is we’re not seeing the rebuild numbers near as fast as we’ve seen them in the past. Some people are rebuilding, but it’s not this really positive trajectory, and I think that’s kind of a little concerning,” she says.

Wilson says she expects the higher prices to continue into 2025.

Brownfield interviewed Wilson during the Nebraska Beef Summit near Mead, Nebraska.