LUBBOCK, TX – Improved rainfall has expanded grazing opportunities across much of the country, but The Cattle Report says a shortage of replacement cattle may keep some of that forage unused.
October and November are major marketing months for replacement cattle. Recent rains have improved conditions across the Southern Plains and other grazing regions, increasing demand for cattle that can use winter wheat and other available forage.
The Cattle Report says the biggest constraint is animal availability. Some farm acreage may ultimately be harvested for grain rather than grazed because producers cannot find enough cattle to stock those fields.
Southern Plains wheat areas have received generous rain, and many fields are planted or already emerged. Warm temperatures will now be important for growth and grazing potential through the coming weeks.
The report says cattle availability remains the wildcard. Even with improved forage prospects, tight supplies could prevent producers from fully using one of the strongest winter grazing opportunities in years.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Better forage conditions are improving grazing prospects, but tight cattle supplies may limit how much winter pasture producers can actually stock.