MONTANA ANGUS TOUR A SUCCESS

Western Montana's 2012 Angus Tour was well attended in spite of smoke filled skys in the West and concern of new fires across the rest of the state.  Attitudes are good considering the summer we've had.  One thing for sure...everyone agrees we need rain! 

 

There  was a lot of talk about the price of bulls this fall and next spring.  My conclusion....it's anybody's guess but the general consensus is they will sell well given current and future cow numbers and demad for replacement females. 

It seems to me we are at a time in the market cycle were the good ones will comand premium pirces.  Quality should rule and buyers could be more selective as we move forward in an uncertian economy.  Quality was certianly the rule of the day at all of the tour stops.  Four busses and lots of cars and trucks in the caravan proved to be a good time with great eats and conversation along the way.  Some had more fun that others but if you weren't on the tour you'll never know who they were.

 
 

SUMMER ENDS WITH A BANG

It's been a busy end of the summer season for me with Montana Fair and getting moved into a new home.  As a Metra Park Advisory Board member it's preferred that one spend time at the fair all ten days.  That's a long time!  Especially when you're makeing plans to move the following week.  You'd be surprised how many friends you can come up with when you have complimentary rodeo and nite show tickets.  I have fun waiting at the front gate for a family who deserves free gate passes.

 

Speaking of the new home, I went from a four level one car garage to a one level four car garage.  A much needed change and I'm looking forward to enjoying it to the fullest.  I bought the old place back in 2001 to live in for a few years until I decided where in Billings I wanted to settle and ended up there for twelve.  I'd say it served me well.  If you're in the market for a really nice condo rental in Billings give me a call.  I'd love to be your landlord! 

 

Labor Day is here and it looks like the fire season is going to stay with us for a few more weeks.  I don't know about you but I'm getting tired of hot and dry and smoke!  We're getting lots of calls and emails to let us know there'll be good numbers cows for sale this fall and some even sooner.  Many are planning to wean earlier than usual and will be cutting herd size due to shortage of pasture and high priced hay.  If you or someone you know will be needing good brood cows let me know.  The list is growing and the quality will be right.

 

WHAT'S AROUND THE CORNER?

After a cooler than normal spring and hotter than normal summer, my question is, what will the fall and winter bring?  Pastures are short, feed prices are high, brood cow numbers are down, and chatter is rampant with producers wondering what the future will bring for the livestock sector.  Where will calf prices settle and what kind of winter is in store for us?  Did the hot dry summer affect breed back?   The answers, critical to the bottom line for all of agriculture.

In a conversation earlier this week regarding fall and spring beeding bull prices, lots of factors came up as possible indicators.  Like cow numbers, feed prices, calf prices, winter conditions, bankers, slaughter bull prices,  heifer retention, AI utilization, fat cattle prices, you name it.    The days of $2,500 averages are behind us one would think.  Demand for heifer bulls will most likely be strong.  Breeders with volume sire groups to select from may by rewarded.  Positive slaughter bull prices should be a factor.  The concensus, who knows?

Can't speak for all but many of us are in the livestock business because of the 'Next Year' factor.  We work hard this year hoping next year will be the one.  Gotta love it! I would enjoy and encourage your comments to the blog.  Your insight and knowledge on the subject is more than welcome.