Hay prices double, triple in parts of Nebraska
Key Takeaways
- •Persistent drought remains the main factor limiting herd expansion in Nebraska, according to Craig Uden.
- •Hay prices have doubled or tripled in some parts of the state, increasing pressure on cattle producers.
- •Uden said higher cattle prices have improved profitability, but production costs have risen sharply as well.
- •Diesel prices are adding another cost burden for producers already facing weather-driven feed expenses.
The president of the Nebraska Cattlemen says ongoing drought and production costs continue to limit widespread herd expansion, underscoring how weather and input costs continue to shape cattle operations in the state.
Craig Uden said concerns about recent price volatility remain, but weather is still a key factor.
“In my 40 some years of being in this business, I’ve never seen the length of dry periods that we’ve had or the transfer of El Nino to La Nina so bad. We’ll have 1 or 2 good years and then all of a sudden we get into 4 or 5 dry years. That’s really the basis why we haven’t expanded.”
Uden told Brownfield hay prices have doubled and tripled in some parts of Nebraska. He said producers still have confidence they will be able to buy and feed hay, but higher prices have not eliminated the pressure on the industry, especially as feed costs remain a recurring concern during dry conditions.
“It’s been a nice profitable year for the industry, but it has had immense challenges to stay in there. Even though prices are higher, the cost of production has skyrocketed.”
Uden said diesel prices also continue to affect producer profitability, adding another cost layer for cattle producers already dealing with weather-driven feed needs.
