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IL cattle producer optimistic in ‘24

A northwest Illinois cattle producer says she’s optimistic about 2024.

“Prices have been great in the beef cattle industry lately, and I don’t really want to jinx that!”  She says, “Things have been going good.”

Ellen Rahn, who operates a cow/calf and feedlot operation in Carroll County, tells Brownfield two straight calving seasons with nice weather have been ideal.

“We’re still in the marks of kind of growing our herd and ohh man, it’s a game changer for us.”  She says, “That way we can get them a healthier start, get them up and get going before we turn them back out.”

Rahn’s family also grows corn and soybeans, so if commodity prices decline, she says the diversification helps.

“You don’t have all your eggs in one basket, so you’re able to spread your risk.”  She says, “It also helps us bring in some additional income at a different time frame.”

Rahn says maintaining strong consumer demand is a key to sustaining current beef price levels.