Barton County Feeders

WHO WOULDA THOUGHT �. A year ago that we would be seeing a weather effect of this magnitude today? It shows you just how fast things change! The effects nationally cover both extremes in moisture and temperature, with everybody wishing they would get just some of what the other guy got. Nature has done a masterful job at pointing out to us all, how vulnerable agriculture and food production is to things we can't control.

As a result: The livestock sector's traditional roughage sources are limited and in high demand. However, we will quickly learn how to use the more moderately priced alternative roughages to get the same performance results. The short crops have pushed the corn price higher to levels only seen once before. Some market analysts are now suggesting we're at a multiyear high because of demand rationing, the global economy, and the ramifications of the overseas debt crisis. I'd caution against penciling in a corn price of a year ago just yet though. Good crop weather has to get back to more of a norm to see grain prices of the past.

Finished cattle marketing's are current-very current. Given our economy and unemployment rate, it's nice to have the export market growing again. Once we get past the grass cattle placements, the 2nd quarter 2012 finished cattle supply could very well take fed prices to highs not yet seen. It's not hard to see that because of weather, we've been "borrowing" from "our down the road" supply of feeders.

The past year has been far from boring and has been filled with challenges which make us stretch and grow: creating new opportunities. At Barton County Feeders we're trying hard to capitalize on these opportunities to enhance your profitability potential. Our business has become more than just animal performance, but getting the most financial performance for you. We're working hard to earn your business, but we also like input on how to better serve you

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