As the beef industry enters into the heart of the fall season, given the market events of the past several months and the intention of beef producers to expand the cowherd, what can we expect in the dynamics of the cull cow market? A review of where we’ve been might provide some indication around where we’re headed with respect to the keep-cull decisions which will be made in the coming months. That’s especially important given the current operating environment.

This week’s illustration outlines monthly beef and dairy cow slaughter since January 2000. Several key trends are important. First, while dairy cow slaughter fluctuates over time, from a broader perspective, the overall slaughter trend remains relatively flat at about 225,000 head per month. That pace is consistent with the dairy industry’s 10-year annual average inventory of around 9.2 million head.

Beef cow slaughter, however, is another story. The pace of liquidation peaked in 2011; since that time, there’s been a persistent decline. August 2015 scored a new low of only 152,000 head, versus over 360,000 head at the peak in September 2011.  

All that said, uncertainty remains with respect to what might occur this fall. That’s especially true given recent market action. While beef producers have been working both sides of the equation to spur expansion—reduced culling and more replacement heifers—that could change fairly quickly. That is, if risk appetite begins to wane, the first indicator will likely be more cows coming to town.  

How do you foresee this playing out in the coming weeks and months? Will market prices disrupt the recent emphasis on expansion, at least on the cow side? How concerned are producers about the recent volatility and long-run price prospects? Has your strategy for expansion changed because of recent market swings?

Leave your thoughts below in the comments section below. 

You might also like:

Is the cattle market whiplash over?

5 traits of a successful beef producer

Busting fall pasture bloat

Planning from the cattle cycle's front end

Burke Teichert: How to build better land and soil

60 stunning photos that showcase ranch work ethics

Is preconditioning still a no-brainer?