3 minute read
GOOD THINGS AHEAD
2023 Points Toward Positive For Beef Business
By Utah Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Brent Tanner
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At the recent Utah Cattlemen’s Association annual convention Brett Stuart, founding member of Global AgriTrends, a company created to provide credible global analysis and reporting of international market intelligence and trade data, reported that he has never shared as positive a market, weather and trade outlook to cattle people as he projected in his presentation to the attendees at the UCA marketing breakfast. “There is room for optimism for cattle ranchers – America’s consummate optimists” Stuart reported. He went on to say “I suggest two variables to determine whether a year is good or bad in Utah: abundant precipitation and high markets. Sometimes you get neither, sometimes you get one or the other, but never both. 2023 could be the year for both.”
Optimism was in the air at the rest of the cattlemen’s meetings that day. After years of struggling through drought and low cattle markets, it was exciting to see realistic hopefulness projected to our industry. Even better, since that presentation in early December we have realized proof of Mr. Stuart’s projections. The state has been blessed with abundant winter storms to fill our mountains with water and the cattle markets continue to climb. Global beef demand remains strong despite challenging economic times for consumers. Professional weather projectors claim we haven’t yet seen the positive effect of the transition from several years of La Niña to the more positive weather pattern in western states of an El Niño weather pattern, which they say is coming later this spring. It does certainly sound like there are good days ahead for the cattle industry in Utah.
But let’s not let that positive outlook lull us into thinking all is going to be good and rest back on our heels. When times are good, that is when we need to be active in making positive changes in our own cattle operations as well as in the cattle industry, including our own state cattlemen’s association. The time to fix or build a fence, isn’t when the cows are pushing it over. It is best to be progressive and act in advance of the pressures that will come again. We need to continually fortify our industry. For those that spend time reading religious scripture, there is a prophetic warning for those who declare: “All is well in Zion: yea Zion prospereth, all is well.” The warning is when we think all is well, soon an adversary will sneak in and destroy us. If we become complacent thinking that things are going well in the industry and don’t continue to work on industry issues, soon the opposition will build and we will spend our hard earned dollars and industry efforts to defend and protect cattle production.
Historically, we have seen trends when the cattle industry is under attack our producers willingly join together to fight, defend and protect our businesses and way of life. Unfortunately, we also see the trend when things seem to be going well, memberships in the industry organizations often drop off. When the wolf is banging on the door, we are all willing to fight, but when the pressure is off, we are often lulled into thinking we are safe. I genuinely thank every cattle producer in this state who pays their annual membership dues to the association, in good years and in tough years. We invite all cattlemen and cattlewomen to join the association, both state and national, as we continually work to fortify and strengthen the livestock industry. If you are not currently a UCA or NCBA member, please go to www.utahcattlemen.org and join through the membership tab. Both the state and national cattlemen’s associations are continually working on cattle industry issues. With a dues structure built around fair-share based on your cattle numbers, we have an annual membership category for everyone, starting as low as the cost of a tank of diesel for your truck. Unlike any other business you deal with, we haven’t raised your cost of membership dues in over 20 years. If our members keep supporting, we can keep our memberships affordable. We need the strength and support of all cattle producers in the state. We are happy to visit with you any time about industry issues.
Finally, let me thank those industry businesses that are advertising in this seedstock issue. You have been loyal supporters of our cattlemen’s association and the industry as a whole. We encourage our members to shop with the ranchers and businesses in this publication. Some of the finest genetics and agribusinesses are right here in our own state or near surrounding. Take the opportunity of an improved market outlook and support these breeders and businesses. Strengthen your cattle business while times are good with their goods, services and genetics provided in these advertisements.
Brett Stuart concluded his presentation in December by saying, “Few things in markets and nature are certain, except for change. But recent trends and indicators suggest that ranchers now have a fighting chance to see margins outpace inflationary costs into 2023 based on tight supplies, solid demand, and improved rainfall.” It looks like 2023 is going to be fun.
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