Minnesota

What is the Livestock Consolidation Research Act?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:24:30 GMT

Senate Agriculture Committee members Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) have introduced the Livestock Consolidation Research Act , bipartisan legislation to support research into the economic impact of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers and consumers.

“Consolidation in the meat and poultry industry impacts Iowa producers and consumers alike, and right now, they’re feeling the squeeze,” Grassley says. “The current patchwork of available data isn’t enough to tackle this problem. Our bipartisan legislation will work to address ag concentration by providing farmers, ranchers and shoppers a full picture of how the market is working.”

According to Grassley’s press release , “Cattle producers often make pennies on the dollar due to a lack of transparency and competition in the cattle processing industry, where just four companies control 85% of the market. The lack of competition means farmers get less for their products, while consumers pay more at the grocery store.”

The senators’ goal with the act is to move beyond existing research to discover the impact of this consolidation on farmers and ranchers, as well as the downstream impacts on consumers. The legislation directs the USDA Economic Research Service to conduct this research.

“Just a handful of large companies dominate the meat and poultry processing industry, which means higher prices for consumers and shrinking earnings for farmers. On top of that, farmers and ranchers are dealing with the worst farm economy in 30 years, skyrocketing input costs, and a cost-of-living crisis at home. We can all see that this market concentration spells disaster,” Smith says. “Our bipartisan bill would bring to light the impact of this consolidation on farmers and consumers and help us create the best possible solutions to fix the problem. I look forward to working with Sen. Grassley and my colleagues to pass this legislation as part of a farm bill.”

Grassley and Smith plan to push for the bill’s inclusion in the research title of the farm bill, which could form a base of data to inform future decisions.

Regulatory Concerns: The Economic Impact of Increased Oversight

“Significant liquidation of cattle herds has brought U.S. cattle numbers to a 70-year low and pushed prices and subsequently, cow-calf returns, to record highs,” says John Nalivka, Sterling Marketing Inc. president. “At the same time, Sterling Marketing’s estimate for beef packer margins is to average — $191/head during the first quarter of 2026.”

Nalivka says consolidation has become a top news headline in livestock and meat industries quite often lately.

“As I read about this [proposed legislation], I once again become concerned about the information that leads to this research effort,” he says.

He stresses packing capacity is a significant factor in the market.

“Consequently, I maintain a rather significant database of plants and their capacities for both the beef and pork industries. This database goes back to the late 1980s when I started focusing on capacity and its impact on the market,” he explains. “I adamantly point out that the importance of capacity in the beef and cattle market goes beyond the packing industry to include all aspects of the supply chain from production to packing and processing to the retail meat case.”

Nalivka has often pointed out that consolidation in any industry is the result of businesses growing larger to achieve economies of scale.

“This is extremely important as it has a direct and beneficial impact on the cost structure of a business and ultimately, its financial success,” he says. “It is related to and has an impact on production capacity and ultimately, the ownership of capacity across the supply chain.”

He predicts with Tyson’s closure of the Lexington plant and reducing Amarillo to one shift, the total U.S. beef packing capacity (including both fed cattle and cows) is 36.7 million head. He adds the strike at JBS’s Greeley, Colo., plant brings annual fed cattle plant capacity down to 27.3 million from 28.9 million.

“This leaves my estimate for the four-firm fed cattle plants concentration with the Greeley plant included at 75.7%,” he says. “That is a notable difference from the quoted figure of 85%.”

Nalivka says a study such as the one proposed by Grassley and Smith should not be taken lightly considering the definite potential for increased regulatory activity.

“For those who do not believe that increased government oversight leads to greater government regulations, in 2025, there were 243 volumes in the Federal Register, proposed and final rules and regulations, which begs the question — Is this too much government oversight?”

Producer-to-Producer: That’s a Wrap on CattleCon 2026

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:57:56 GMT

As beef producers pack up and leave Nashville, Tenn., they are returning home with new strategies, renewed optimism and memories from a memorable CattleCon 2026.

Thank you to the five producers who were our boots on the ground and shared their perspective this week:

Jenna Fitzsimmons, Cunningham, Kan.
Rachel Gray , Blackduck, Minn.
Ken Odde , Pollock, S.D.
Logan Pribbeno , Imperial, Neb.
Kim Rounds, Johnstown, Colo.

Here are their final thoughts about this year’s event:

Fitzsimmons: “My first CattleCon was a great experience! I really enjoyed the overall positive energy at CattleCon that could be felt from meetings, discussions, presentations and interactions I experienced.

“My biggest highlights were the region and policy meetings, Cattlemen’s College sessions and the [National Cattlemen’s Beef Association] State of the Industry Town Hall. These felt the most impactful to me because they allowed producers’ voices to be heard, covered industry issues, expanded my knowledge, inspired me to be a leader and challenged me to improve my operation.

“I love learning and will always be a lifelong learner. CattleCon offered many various learning opportunities for any topic a producer could want. I was able to attend a few sessions I was interested in and even a couple that surprised me by providing knowledge I didn’t realize I needed.

“It is important to go outside of your comfort zone when learning because you never know what you might pick up to improve yourself and your operation. Learning also comes from networking, producer-to-producer.

“I was able to visit with several producers from all across the U.S. and Canada! Everyone was so genuine and kindhearted! Now, you have to take the next step and apply what you have learned, even if it can be daunting. It is pertinent to keep learning and improving as a beef producer for the benefit of the cattle and the consumer. This allows the industry to pave the way and move forward into the future.

“The beef industry is excited, passionate and ready to support the world.”

Gray: “I finished Wednesday attending some Cattleman’s College events. I learned a lot from the ranchers who were part of the legacy panel. Both gentlemen suggested Ranching For Profit and other classes. I am glad to hear the focus on education.

“Thursday, I enjoyed hearing U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speak and getting his thoughts on dietary guidelines . I then headed to the plane to return home for bull sales and calving.”

Odde: The biggest highlight for me was the education and celebration associated with the change in dietary guidelines. I think the change in dietary guidelines has long-term support for demand.

Pribbeno: “The biggest highlight was having [Kennedy] speak at the afternoon general session. He was greeted with a standing ovation. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Buck Wehrbein said it was the most packed he has seen a convention setting.

“Kennedy says he eats beef twice a day, and his favorite cut was the strip. He also touched on how and why he and his team rebuilt the food pyramid and the science behind putting proteins at the base.

“The early morning CattleFax session is a perennial favorite. I had an associate tell me that the CattleFax session alone is worth the trip to Nashville. Randy [Blach] and the team presented on a theme that I would call cautious optimism.

“After the CattleFax session, we hit the trade show floor for some networking.”

Rounds: “My biggest takeaway was that I spent the majority of my day with emerging leaders and leadership, and I’m so excited and positive about the future of the beef industry and knowing that our futures are in these kids’ hands.

“They are so hungry, and they want it so bad. Every single conversation that I had yesterday blew me away, and I know that we have a lot of fun and exciting things on the horizon.

“And, of course, the networking. The beef industry is full of the best people, and when we all get together in a room like we did yesterday, you can’t help but have so much fun.”

Producer-to-Producer: The Lessons We've Learned During CattleCon

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:26:52 GMT

It’s day two of CattleCon 2026. It’s been an exciting day of educational sessions, time on the trade show floor learning about new products, live AgriTalk broadcasts and taping of U.S. Farm Report.

To help us provide a producer’s perspective, we’ve invited five CattleCon attendees to be our boots on the ground and help us capture highlights from their experiences in Nashville, including:

A first-time CattleCon attendee, Jenna Fitzsimmons, from Cunningham, Kan.
Rachel Gray of Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minn., who specializes in developing heifers, is attending her fifth convention.
Ken Odde , South Dakota commercial cow-calf producer from Pollock, who has attended more than 30 NCBA Conventions and Trade Shows.
Commercial cow-calf producer Logan Pribbeno of Wine Glass Ranch, Imperial, Neb., will be attending his third CattleCon this year and is bringing his entire family to experience the event.
Kim Rounds, Five Rivers manager of talent acquisition and social media, is looking forward to her seventh CattleCon.

Tuesday morning two of our producers — Pribbeno and Gray — joined Chip Flory on “AgriTalk” for the Farmer Forum.

Congratulations to Pribbeno and his family on being named the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) national winner on Tuesday evening.

Here’s what the producers have to say about their CattleCon experience thus far:

What have you attended since you arrived in Nashville?

Fitzsimmons: I attended the NCBA policy meetings on Monday and Tuesday, specifically “Live Cattle Marketing” and “Cattle Health & Well-Being”. I also attended the opening general session and the trade show. I highly enjoyed being part of the policy discussion. The specialist speakers within the policy meetings offered great insight. The grassroots discussions throughout this week are so important to the future of the industry. The opening general session with Dale Earnhardt Jr. was very inspiring. I appreciated how he advised those who are at a beginning stage to enjoy it, because you won’t have that time again, and it has its own uniqueness. I loved seeing exhibitors in the trade show of businesses of all kinds and sizes. I cannot wait to learn more about what they all have to offer.

Gray: I attended the opening general session featuring Earnhardt. I’ve also been going to some cattle chats and the learning lounge sessions.

Odde: Probably the session I spent the most time at Tuesday was international trade, and it was a very good session. I learned a number of things. I also thought the BQA producer forum was really good. The BQA program has now gotten much stronger legs than what it actually had earlier in my career. I could really see that at the session, especially taking on the transportation issues, you know, taking this issue far beyond how we use animal health products.

Pribbeno: We went to the Dale Earnhardt Jr. session and turnout was great. I’ve been busy with ESAP discussions following last night’s award ceremony. I am speaking on a panel later this afternoon, and I’m going to the AI (artificial intelligence) Cattleman’s College session. I do think it’s going to be kind of a game changer. So, I’m looking forward to going to that and seeing how to more fully use AI.

Rounds: I spent most of the morning today preparing for my Cattlemen’s College presentation “Work that Works,” where I discussed finding jobs and keeping employees. So, I haven’t actually had a chance to attend too many informational meetings. The majority of my time here has been catching up with my connections I only see here and really seeing what the advocacy side of the industry looks like right now.

Big takeaways so far?

Fitzsimmons: The specialist speakers within the policy meetings offered great insight. I was very impressed with how they were beyond excited for producers to be involved with their processes. These specialists want to make sure what they are doing is working correctly for the producers they serve.

Veterinarian Dr. Sierra Guynn, from Clemson University, presented on the Asian Longhorn Tick (ALHT) in the “Cattle Health & Well-Being” policy meeting. Something I found very interesting was that, unlike most all ticks, the AHLT is resilient in the way that they will go back to feed on a host even if they were knocked off already. Guynn offered several ways of practical tick prevention and control that producers should already be doing through cattle and environment. Within our beef operation, we already are completing those steps through the cattle side. After Guynn’s presentation, I am inspired and challenged to add the environmental prevention and control to our operation plan. I am looking forward to attending her Cattlemen’s College session on New World screwworm on Thursday.

Gray: My key takeaway from Earnhardt’s comments was when he was talking about taking risks and using innovation. It’s okay to be a little bit of a risk taker. The educational sessions on trace minerals were good. It makes me wonder if we are paying enough attention to that in our rations. I will go home and check that.

Odde: No. 1 is the situation we’re in with regard to trade, and particularly the loss of the China market. I think we all kind of know that happened but didn’t really maybe understand the magnitude of that effect. That’s really a big deal for our industry. Our industry will be working hard over the next several years to see if we can recapture that China market.

No. 2 is the importance of the change in dietary guidelines . I’m old enough to remember the war on fat in the ‘80s. And what we started learning, especially in the ‘90s, is that it’s really not fat. It’s really sugar. Sugar is the big, bad, evil item associated with diet. I think this change in the pyramid is a really big deal. It’s not just a big deal for Americans — it’s a big deal globally.

Pribbeno: Earnhardt did a really good job talking about his career and when he knew to hang it up and focus on family. I really appreciated that as a high-performing athlete, and he just at a certain age decided to completely shift his focus, and now he’s really into the people development — his team and the cars that he runs. He’s not about getting the victories anymore. He’s about getting people into their prime positions and outside of his company and developing people. He did a really nice job.

Rounds: I’m always curious to see what the messages are being shared by the advocates of our industry, and that’s kind of where I’ve been focused so far today.

Beyond the Fence: 5 Keys to Successful Winter Adaptive Grazing

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:24:04 GMT

Adaptive grazing strategies and planning are essential for successful winter cattle management. Flexibility, continuous learning and tailoring practices to specific operations are keys to thriving through the winter season.

Rachel Gray of Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minn., and Johnny Rogers, North Carolina State University Amazing Grazing Program coordinator, were speakers on a recent National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) cattlemen’s webinar series sharing strategies they have used to get through the cold months and maximize profitability of their programs.

Rogers defines adaptive grazing management as a strategic approach using proven principles to meet the dynamic biological, economic and social needs of grazing operations.

“Adaptive grazing is a thinking person’s game,” he explains. “You have to think to do this.”

Little Timber Farms emphasizes adaptive, strategic management to overcome extreme winter conditions. The farm transitioned from a dairy and cow-calf operation to a heifer development focus, practicing extensive rotational grazing on more than 1,200 acres, utilizing cover crops, interseeding, and stockpiled forages to extend the grazing season.

(Little Timber Farms, Rachel Gray)

Gray shares insights from her Minnesota operation, where winter conditions are significantly more challenging due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

Gray and Rogers share these five keys for successful winter adaptive grazing:

1. Plan Ahead — But Stay Flexible. Start planning for winter grazing in spring and summer, evaluate pastures, take soil samples and develop contingencies (“Plan B”) for unexpected weather or feed shortages. Be prepared to adjust as weather, forage and herd needs change.

“Planning is key for successful grazing,” Gray says. “If you’re going to keep cattle out on pastures in the winter, you have to have a plan.”

2. Understand and Manage Stocking Rates. Regularly assess land carrying capacity and keep stocking rates slightly below it to maintain pasture health and allow for rapid response to winter challenges.

Rogers shares research showing as cow size increases, the percentage of body weight weaned typically decreases. In a North Carolina survey, the average cow weighed 1,380 lb., suggesting producers should carefully consider cow size and its impact on operational efficiency.

(Photo provided by Johnny Rogers)

3. Prioritize Nutrient Distribution and Soil Health. Use adaptive practices like strip grazing, bale grazing and rotational movement to distribute nutrients, reduce waste and improve soil vitality.

“Every dollar a cow consumes in her mouth, she’s going to deposit about 85¢ of that dollar somewhere out there on your farm,” Rogers says.

4. Invest in Flexible Infrastructure. Reliable, easily moved water sources, portable windbreaks and temporary fencing empower quick adaptation to changing winter conditions. Good infrastructure supports cattle health and flexible grazing management in severe weather.

(Rogers Cattle Co.)

5. Select Cattle and Practices to Fit Your Operation. Choose livestock and grazing systems suited to your environment, resources and lifestyle — consider animal type, forage availability and family needs. Be willing to evolve your system as you learn what works best.

“It’s okay to base a decision on what’s going on in your life,” Gray explains. “Make them fit you, not you fit them.”

Bale grazing was one innovative strategy Rogers mentions. This method involves strategically placing hay bales in pastures and moving cattle through them, which offers several advantages:

Labor savings
Better nutrient distribution
Reduced equipment traffic in pastures
Potential for improving soil diversity

(Little Timber Farms, Rachel Gray)

Gray explains five adaptive techniques she uses:

Rotational grazing
Cover crop interseeding
Portable windbreaks
Careful bale distribution
Strategic bedding practices

She also shares a compelling example of adaptability when drought forced her family to relocate 600 cattle in August and completely restructure their feeding strategy. This experience underscores the importance of having contingency plans.

“The most expensive words in ranching are: We’ve always done it that way,” Gray stresses.

Throughout the webinar, a recurring message was the importance of a flexible mindset — embracing new technology, learning from experience, adapting tradition and sharing knowledge. Gray’s and Rogers’ stories illustrate successful winter grazing requires resilience, innovation and a readiness to revise plans as conditions demand.

Harris Taps Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz As VP Pick, Can He Now Help Boost the Rural Vote?

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 18:53:31 GMT

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her 2024 vice presidential pick. The Harris campaign revealed the choice via an online message to supporters before a rally in Philadelphia, where Harris and her VP pick will make their first joint appearance. They will then tour other battleground states.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, is also set to campaign in Philadelphia following a joint rally in Georgia on Saturday.

Who is Tim Walz?

— Walz, aged 60, has been the Governor of Minnesota since 2018. He also serves as chair of the national Democratic Governors Association. He previously served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Walz’s background includes a diverse range of experiences:

• He was born in West Point, Nebraska.
• A graduate of Chadron State College in Nebraska, Walz served in the Army National Guard, and then worked as a teacher, first on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he met his wife Gwen, a fellow teacher, and then in China and later as a high school teacher in Mankato, Minnesota, south of Minneapolis.
• He spent several decades as a high school educator, coaching football and serving as a faculty advisor for the school’s gay-straight alliance.
• Walz initially entered politics as a member of former Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign.
• In Congress, Walz focused on veterans’ issues and agricultural policy, reflecting his roots in rural America.
• As governor, some of Walz’ political accomplishments include ensuring tuition-free meals at participating state universities, enshrining abortion rights into state law, banning conversion therapy and providing protections for gender-affirming healthcare.
• Walz signed a bill last May expanding voting rights in Minnesota for an estimated 55,000 formerly incarcerated residents, and in 2020, oversaw the state’s response to both the Covid-19 pandemic and police brutality protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the hands of police, though he faced criticism from state Republicans over his delayed response to protests following Floyd’s killing.

— Walz’s selection is seen as a strategic move to appeal to rural voters and progressives, given his track record of progressive policy achievements and his Midwestern charm.
Perspective: His appeal to rural voters could be challenged. Sources say once he became governor, Walz was more attuned to city and suburban voters, not the rural sector, telling one contact that “I don’t need the Ag vote any longer.”

— Kamala Harris has taken the lead over Donald Trump in the Economist’s poll tracker ( link ), marking the first time a Democratic contender has led in the national popular vote since October 2023. Harris is currently ahead with 48% compared to Trump’s 45%. This represents a significant improvement from Joe Biden’s position, as he was trailing Trump by about three points when he ended his presidential campaign. Winning the nationwide popular vote is not enough to win the presidency, as Hillary Clinton and Al Gore can attest. Harris must win battleground states, such as Pennsylvania and Michigan, which have leaned to the right of the country in recent elections.

New Survey Shows Labor is Serious Challenge for Ag Industry

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 18:00:19 GMT

A new survey from the Minneapolis Fed found ag bankers rank labor availability as a top concern for their farm clients.

The survey, which was conducted with ag bankers from the ninth district (Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin), found the issue is viewed as a “serious challenge” for 63% of respondents and a minor challenge for the majority of the remaining 37%.

“It’s becoming more and more difficult to obtain the labor needed to operate,” a Minnesota-based banker told the Minneapolis Fed.

The availability of livestock workers was seen as more limited than crop workers and those surveyed also shared that finding long-term help is more difficult than temporary help due to the seasonal nature of the ag industry.

As far as how this compares to past conditions, 39% of respondents said labor availability has gotten “much worse” over the past five years and 44% said it’s “a little worse”.

The Minneapolis Fed attributes this challenge to the region’s low influx of migrant workers and aging workforce.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 10% of animal production employees in the area are foreign born, compared to 18% nationally. The number is even lower for crop production with just 5% of workers being foreign born, compared to 32% nationally.

The region also has some of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S.

(Farm Journal)

At the same time, the median age of workers in the region rose from 51 to 56 in 2021. The number of workers between 45 to 54 has declined over the past decade with a small increase of those between the ages of 25 to 44 and a large increase of those over 55.

(Farm Journal)

$9-Million Loss In 45 Packing Plant Thefts Uncovered, Three Suspects Arrested

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 14:46:15 GMT

Uncovering approximately 45 thefts totaling over $9 million in loss, three Florida men have been arrested for stealing semi-loads of frozen beef and pork from packing plants across the Midwest.

Starting June 27, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the events occurring in Nebrask a.

Soon realizing the case reached further than Nebraska, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, along with Homeland Security Investigation (HIS) Omaha identified approximately 45 thefts totaling $9 million in loss beginning in June 2021. Investigators described the theft ring as a “sophisticated and ‘highly organized criminal enterprise,’” reports a local news source .

Additionally, the investigators determined the criminal enterprise to be based in Miami and targets beef and pork packing plants specifically in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

While investigation began in June, thefts continued to occur across the region. In September, more than $100,000 in pork products were reported stolen from the JBS plant in Ottumwa, Iowa .

Utilizing cell phone records and GPS tracking devices, on Oct. 20, investigators identified and arrested three targets in the enterprise, recovering three semi-trailers with stolen merchandise valued at $550,000, says the news source. Yoslany Leyva Del Sol, Ledier Machin Andino and Delvis L. Fuentes were charged with the transportation of stolen goods and money laundering in Florida’s federal court.

A Minnesota news source reports each of the men possesses a valid Class A commercial driver’s license.

At this time, it is unknown what the men did with the stolen meat, however, the investigation remains ongoing.

Minnesota Woman Raises British White Cattle

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:43:10 GMT

By Vicki Ikeogu, St. Cloud Times

Driving up the long, narrow dirt driveway of Rolling Hills Traeger Ranch near Avon, you may think this is just like every other beef cattle operation in central Minnesota. However, Christina Traeger, 39, is no ordinary beef cattle farmer.

You will not see heavy farm equipment on Traeger’s property. The single mother of three daughters does not own any. She does not grow corn or soybeans, nor does she purchase any for her animals.

Traeger has chosen to lessen her carbon footprint by raising her animals as close as possible to the way Mother Nature intended.

Since 1997, Traeger and her daughters have developed a herd of their own. With about 175 head of British Whites, a breed known for gentle behavior, Traeger embodies what she believes to be effective sustainable farming.

Traeger became interested in sustainable farming while growing up on her parents’ dairy farm during the 1980s.

“My parents sat on the original committee on sustainable farming in Minnesota,” she told the St. Cloud Times..

During the 1980s, Traeger said the main focus of sustainable farming was on setting aside a number of acres each year where farmers would not plant. The idea was to allow the land to heal.

But by avoiding crop production, Traeger has taken that concept to a whole other level.

Traeger said most farmers will spend about a dozen times going over their land to plow, sow, spray, fertilize and harvest crops such as corn and soybeans. Along with exhausting the land, Traeger said the fuel burned by the equipment also takes a toll on the environment.

“I don’t like the eco-impact,” Traeger said.

In addition, the risk of feeding her cattle genetically modified organisms did not sit well with Traeger.

So instead of relying on feed, Traeger’s cows receive a steady diet of pasture grass. In the winter, her herd gets hay, a crop Traeger said is a lot less processed than its counterparts.

Traeger’s cattle graze on her 75-acre property. She also rents between 200 and 400 acres. She rotates her cattle to different pastures once the land is reaching the point of exhaustion.

While grazing, Traeger said, her cattle help fertilize the land and restore it to its original vitality, all without the assistance of heavy-duty farm equipment.

Traeger’s operation allows for her British Whites to be raised in ways similar to how she believes they would live in the wild.

“We try to raise our animals as close to nature as possible,” Traeger said.

Traeger raises her herd to be bred not only later in the season but also later in life.

“They are more mature,” she said. “And in the long run can produce extra calves.”

Traeger first breeds her heifers at age 3 compared with the typical practice of age 2.

And instead of an early spring calving season, Traeger waits to calf until mid-May, the same time of year deer and bison are born.

“By May, our cows are grazing when they calf. It’s not too hot so we don’t have to worry about pathogens and it’s not too cold where we have to spend money on straw (to keep the calves warm and dry),” Traeger said. “And it puts less stress on the moms.”

Compared with conventionally raised beef cattle, Traeger said her calves are on the small end of the weight scale at birth, but she maintains they are healthy.

Because of the later breeding and birthing process, Traeger has seen a decline in the number of assisted births and has nearly doubled the lifespan of her herd by decreasing the stress on her cattle.

The average age of Traeger’s herd is between 11 and 13 years old.

Out in the pasture, Traeger can identify every one of her cattle by name. And she can even recite their lineage. This comes in handy when breeding stock is the most profitable part of her business.

Forty percent of Traeger’s herd is designated for breeding stock.

Traeger said she can sell her animals at about one and a half to two times the market price for beef breeding stock.

Traeger said demand for breeding stock has increased, especially since feed prices are making it cheaper for farmers to grow their herds. But she is not pushing her prices up higher than the competition.

“With the markets being so high, we can’t push our profit margins,” she said.

Traeger speaks with caution about immediate expansion. A few years back, things were not so great for her and Rolling Hills Traeger Ranch.

In order to sustain her farm and her family, Traeger worked full time in the construction industry alongside her father until 2010.

During that time, Traeger began to diversify her farm by raising Berkshire pigs. Her youngest daughter, Hailey Breth, 16, has also helped by raising chickens and selling eggs. The ranch sells fresh produce during the summer.

Money has been tight for Traeger. But she is determined to make it.

Traeger also owns and operates a mail-order meat service, Grillin Meats. People can purchase her beef on her website or directly on the farm. Processing is done at a USDA-certified plant in Miltona.

“People can buy a quarter, a half, a whole (cow or steer) or just packages of meat,” Traeger said.

A package of ground beef averages $9 a pound. Tenderloin steak can cost about $22.50 a pound.

Marketing has been a struggle for Traeger. But through word of mouth and social media, she has been able to build a steady stream of customers, especially for her beef.

And as soon as she has built up her presence, Traeger hopes once again to break the mold on traditional farming. She said she has her eyes on creating a Community Supported Agriculture timeshare operation with her herd. Her vision is to provide those who financially sponsor her operation with either breeding stock or meat.

“I’m not out to do this to get rich,” Traeger said. “I was taught to be the change you want to see in the world. And the way I’m doing things, if people want to do this, I’ll show them how.”

South St. Paul's Last Beef Plant Idles

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:40:39 GMT

The last beef-packing plant in South St. Paul, Minn., says it’s temporarily shutting down to an “extremely short supply of cattle.”

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Dakota Premium Foods is idling 300 employees. Its parent company, American Foods Group, says it doesn’t know how long the shutdown will last.

The number of cattle in the U.S. has been declining for eight years, and the severe drought across much of the western U.S. has worsened the shortage. The number of cattle and calves in the U.S. is at its lowest level since the early 1950s.

South St. Paul was once the heart of the Upper Midwest meatpacking industry. Swift and Armour once had major plants there, but they closed by the early 1980s as the economics of the industry changed.

Minnesota Beef Producers Reject Check-off Fee Hike

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:38:59 GMT

Minnesota’s beef producers have rejected a proposed increase in the check-off fees they pay for research and promotion.

The Minnesota Beef Research and Promotion Council had asked the state to hold a referendum on increasing the current state check-off by an additional $1 for each animal they sell.

But the Minnesota Department of Agriculture says 63 percent of the 1,525 voting producers opposed the proposal, while 37 percent voted for it.

The current $1 per head check-off fee supports the state and federal beef councils and will remain in effect. Half of the fee supports the state council and the other half supports the national beef check-off.

Minnesota’s legislative auditor last month called for greater oversight and transparency for the state’s 13 farmer-elected agricultural research and promotional councils.

Funds Made Available to Control Gray Wolves in Minnesota

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 02:07:22 GMT

Effective today, an agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state of Minnesota states they jointly will provide $220,000 for wolf management activities in Minnesota. “This agreement is great news! MSCA is very pleased with the efforts our association leadership and our leadership in D.C. have taken to ensure Minnesota Family farm have every possible resource to provide protection to their livestock.”, Stated MSCA president Tim Nolte. MSCA is pleased that phone and email conversations, along with a letter to Secretary Vilsack have been heard. This news also follows on the heels of Minnesota led Congressional and Senate efforts urging funding be made available for wolf depredation programs.

In a recent press release, Representative Collin Person wrote, “This is welcome news for farmers and ranchers who currently don’t have a a way to address wolves threatening their livestock. I’m pleased to see the state and USDA come together to address this issue, " Peterson said. “I’ll continue to work in Congress to find a long term solution to return gray wolf management back to Minnesota.”

Under the agreement, USDA and the state of Minnesota will each provide $110,000 to fund wolf damage management activities in Minnesota through the end of the fiscal year (FY)2015.

This funding will allow Minnesota Wildlife Services staff to provide operational wolf depredation assistance. Wildlife Services will be able to initiate wolf removal efforts in response to verified wolf damage to domestic animals. Wildlife Services is also available to investigate wolf damage claims at the discretion/availability of the local DNR County Officer as they have in the past.

Please call the Grand Rapids District office to report wolf damage issues: 218-327-3350

Source: Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association

Minnesota Man's $300,000 Bad Check for Cattle Results in Guilty Plea

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 01:12:00 GMT

A man from Minnesota who purchased more than 200 head of cattle with a bad check worth $300,000 has plead guilty for his crime.

Jason Langerud, 39, of Hawley entered a guilty plea for felony theft by insufficient funds . In December 2017, Langerud wrote the bad check for $300,000 to purchase cattle from a man in Brown County, S.D.

An agreement had been started in 2015 by Langerud and the man in South Dakota where the annual sales proceeds from calves would be split between the two. The split was supposed to be 70-30, with Langerud getting the majority because the cattle were grazing on his property. However, court paperwork indicates the business partner did not get paid in 2016 or 2017.

Last year the man from South Dakota opted to sell the cattle and gave Langerud the chance to purchase the cattle. This is when Langerud wrote the bad check, says Ernest Thompson, deputy state’s attorney for Brown County.

As part of Langerud’s guilty plea he’ll receive a 10-year suspended prison sentence with a requirement of 30 days in jail. Langerud will be credited with six days served. He’ll also be on probation for five years and fined $104. Langerud has been ordered to pay $300,000 in restitution for the cattle.

For more on other embezzlement and theft cases with cattle read the following stories: