The outlook for a recovery in the number of beef cows after five years of declining numbers may still be years away, according to a report from CoBank. However, a silver lining exists, showing that the efforts of the Texas-based Beef Initiative are working.
Beef cow populations have fallen to 28.2 million head so far in 2024, a decline of 2.5% compared with 2023 and the lowest volume since 1961, according to USDA data. Some of the factors in the most recent inventory decline include forage conditions and quantity, which increase the cost of raising cattle when poor.
However, the CoBank report cites that pasture conditions are rebounding, specifically in Texas counties where the largest beef cow populations exist. As pasture and feed costs make up 50% of a producer’s expense, the report shows the significant impacts the Beef Initiative’s Fire relief efforts have had on herd volumes.
When fires swept through the Texas Panhandle, following two years of droughts, The Beef Initiative’s Founder Texas Slim didn’t wait for the fires to be out before planning relief efforts.
“As soon as the fires began, I hopped on a call with Steve and Bernie of BetterFedFood,” Slim said. “Steve had been working with Bryan Mussard of Reminisce Ranch in Montana, and they had a bull going to auction that week. They decided to donate the proceeds to the Texas fire relief efforts and the IATS Foundation. In addition, Steve was happy to donate A+ to help aid in our pasture recovery efforts.” A+ Liquid Soil Amendment is derived from Chlorella micro-algae, it helps nutrient and water uptake and increases environmental stress tolerance for healthier crops.
Slim says his next call was to Cal at 4F Outfitters. “Cal had informed me that 12 tons of seed had been donated, and I had the A+, so it seemed like a good time to make history,” Slim said.
Seizing upon the opportunity of a rapid nitrogen release after the fires, the team set to work knowing they had a very small window of opportunity to plant seed in time for summer.
“The money donated from the bull at auction went to help supplement helicopter fuel plus to the We’re Here documentary efforts,” Slim said. “Within a short period of time of the fires being out, we were up and operational–attacking all relief efforts. Most importantly, the world is now getting to see the incredible regenerative results of A+ for soil health, and we have a real chance to restore our herd volumes.”
Texas ranchers will now be able to graze their herds as opposed to paying top price for out-of-state hay shipments. Slim says he is just grateful for the quick actions and forward thinking of his colleagues as their combined efforts will help soften hay prices, rather than stress nationwide feeding costs.
Higher hay prices over the last few years appear to be evening out, allowing cow-calf operators to rebuild their winter feed supplies, according to the report. Current cattle prices, however, remain considerably higher than costs during the previous herd rebuilding cycle between 2014 and 2019. As previously reported by BeefNews, liquidity deficits are also creating barriers to herd rebuilding. According to the report, it could be well into 2030 before beef cow volumes rebound.
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