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Losses from flooding not expected to impact markets

The states impacted by the early spring flooding and blizzard events are still trying to assess the extent of their losses.

University of Missouri livestock economist Scott Brown says there are farmers and ranchers who have been significantly impacted. 

But, he says, those losses aren’t enough to have a substantial impact on the market.  “The impacts overall will be fairly small,” he says.  “We’ve seen some pretty large numbers in terms of cattle death losses.  I have a hunch those will continue to be trimmed down somewhat as we get a better a better count from some of the states in terms of what’s happening.”

Nebraska, one of the hardest hit states, has estimated the state’s livestock sector has lost $400-million, which includes calving and feedlot losses, treatment of sick animals, lost feed, and increased transportation costs.