Tag: feedlot

Nebraska feedlot owner says beef imports won’t solve drought-driven supply problem

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The federal government’s latest plan to bring more foreign beef into the country while cutting red tape for producers to process their own beef would do nothing to help American cattle producers, according to a Seward-area feedlot owner. Mike Briggs is the third-generation owner and operator of the Briggs Cattle Company feedlot north of Seward.

He compares his lots to a hotel, saying empty rooms make no money. “[The market] is incredibly volatile,” Briggs said. “Our president, who I’ve voted for three times — he’s my guy — but for the last year and a half, he’s done about everything he can to beat this cattle market down to try to get beef cheaper for the consumer.” Briggs said the government’s plan — including bringing up to 300,000 metric tons of beef in duty-free — could serve as a short-term fix for consumers but would not help American cattle producers in the long run.

“It’s terribly hurtful for American cattle producers because that’s going to lower the price for the consumer,” Briggs said. “Okay, I’m all for that, but not when all of that comes from our pocket. It’s not hurting the packer. It’s not hurting the retailer who has a really big margin.” Briggs said the volatility stems from persistent drought. He said producers need time — and rain — to be able to expand their herd. Government subsidies or incentives will just create a false economy, Briggs believes. “Ultimately it’s going to fall apart if you don’t have rain,” Briggs said.

“It’ll just be a mess. And so you’ve wasted taxpayer dollars again” When asked if there was anything the government could do to tangibly help, he said he believed there was little the government can do to sustainably increase supply. “I really don’t think there is because this is a weather issue,” Briggs said. “We need rain so the guys can have grass so they can keep their heifer calves back and expand the cow herd.”

Source: Nebraska feedlot owner says beef imports won’t solve drought-driven supply problem

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