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Better prices can be a game changer for the cattle industry

A cattle producer from eastern South Dakota says optimism from the better-than-expected cattle prices is carrying over into the New Year.

Todd Wilkinson, a cow-calf producer and a feedlot operator, tells Brownfield despite recent price declines, the long-term outlook for cattle prices remains positive.

“It’s tough when you’re just inking out a living and now, you’re making money,” he says. “It puts everyone in a better mood and gives them more optimism about why we’re taking care of cattle when it’s 23 degrees below zero outside and what we can anticipate for the future.”

He says the better prices are also creating opportunities for the next generation.

“You can go to the bank right now and make a pretty good case for a positive return on investment over the next three to four years. It’s been hard to do for 10+ years. Having that ability, I think you’ll see young producers start to come back into the business.”

Wilkinson is also the president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and he attended the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show this past weekend.