Beef prices are up, but don’t think producers are rolling in money. Wolves three ways. Lastly, Happy New Year and a thank you to those that (inexplicably to me) read what I write.
Beef prices are up, but don’t think producers are rolling in money.
I think the subheading of the Sun article linked below says it better than I could: "Since 2018, the cost of beef has risen 28% at retail — and ranchers are feeling the pinch from all sides."
One of the things that I don't think many appreciate about agriculture is just how little money actually comes back to producers.
If you don't know anyone in the business and simply see the prices in the stores, it can be an easy mistake to make.
But, and here I quote the story again,
"The fact consumers feel they are paying more may have no connection to whether ranchers are making any profits. The rancher’s share of every food dollar spent on beef has been under 40 cents in recent years, and that number alone does not provide much insight into the profitability of individual ranching operations. Cost and Return Estimates from the USDA show that Colorado ranchers lost money per cow in 2022. Their revenue per cow averaged $872, but their average operating expenses to raise that cow to market were $972, according to Daniel Mooney, assistant professor of agricultural and resource economics at Colorado State University. Both numbers were higher than in 2018, when ranchers were making profits. Their revenue in 2018 was $737 per cow, while their costs were $717. 'So livestock producers could cover their input costs in 2018 but not 2022,' Mooney said. 'And when allocated overhead consisting of fixed costs like taxes, insurance and utility bills is added in, the average net value of production was negative both years.'”
I have heard similar from smaller feedlot operators too; that is, that they (the feedlot people) do not make a whole lot on the cattle they tend.
Something to remember. Just because the grocery price is high, that doesn't mean the producers are in the lap of luxury.
I want to put a bug in your ear about something else too. Colorado law allows producers to shortcut directly to the public in certain cases.
I'm not 100% on this, but my guess is that this would put more money in producers' hands. If I'm wrong or if I have a detail off on this, please speak up in the comments.
If it is the case, consider supporting local ranchers in your area by buying directly. If anyone reading is or knows a producer, please add your/their info to the comments along with regions where you sell.
https://coloradosun.com/2023/12/19/cost-of-beef-increase-colorado/
Wolves three ways
First Gentleman Reis' temper tantrum (still awaiting media condemnation--I suppose if you're a female who works in Ag you don't count)
Sen Pelton's Letter to DNR
Urbigkit's botched optics
I have a compendium of three things on the wolf release to share with you.
First is the Gazette's op ed re. Marlon Reis' temper tantrum over Gabel's wolf coverage. Linked first below.
I ask you this, if the parties were reversed, would the left-leaning media be silent about it? If it were not a conservative woman working in Ag would they still be mum?
Exactly.
Second, Senator Pelton (my district) wrote a letter and sent it to DNR with some pointed questions about the wolf release and how it was handled. It's linked second below.
I join him in his concerns, particularly about transparency. To wit the quotes below (quotes not contiguous):
"When Rachel Gabel reported on the released wolves coming from packs with a history of depredation, the press office was silent until after 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to Christmas. [common government tactic to dump embarrassing stories Friday before long or holiday weekends--dampens coverage]"
"But not only that, the lack of transparency in the wolf introduction is disturbing."
Hear hear. I think I will fold this into my testimony for the January CPW meeting.
Lastly, to bring us to three, a reader shared the column linked third below by Cat Urbigkit that provides a good overview of the whole of the botched wolf release process.
If you read only one thing on the issue, start here because it gives a good overview.
https://denvergazette.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-a-potshot-at-the-press-from-the-guv-s-mansion/article_db38baed-bd74-56ff-b9c8-fe13dc4bca2a.html?fbclid=IwAR3jZWsY1UsjEh0kmw-qLWcch21-MD5UtmQSAT8pavNU5fLZqc9i1cSEFeg
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Op7WdJsF2SuATyzMZxvWky-Zk871zUc2/view?fbclid=IwAR2F9NwDfsdkqX9CNRij-jUKGKQThib_kKL48HuofxzUxeiphQcLadtTw74
https://cowboystatedaily.com/2023/12/26/cat-urbigkit-the-botched-optics-of-colorados-wolf-release/?fbclid=IwAR0nohXHi6ihSJuZ-lgqyT8SNkEMr1448fneMdu03PzaXIUuazQgNCbqikA
Happy New Year!
This is the last post of 2023. I'm taking off some time til after New Year's Day 2024.
I wanted to say Happy New Year to you and your family.
I started my FB page in late 2020 and this substack about a year ago. I'm surprised how both have grown over time. This growth has come not by advertising, but by word of mouth and people following me after reading something.
A young Cory would not have ever imagined such a thing; I am continually flattered by how many people take time out of their day to read what I write.
I am also gladdened to see so many people participating in our state's government. That more than anything gives me hope for the future of this state. I hope you start if you haven't, you continue if you are, and that you encourage others to start.
Happy New Year and back at it in 2024!