livestock

Drought, shrinking herds, high feed and energy costs, and slow herd rebuilding are driving beef prices higher, with impacts likely to last through the decade.

This week’s Farm News & Views covers trade aid for U.S. farmers, rising global competition in ag markets, and renewed wolf concerns in western Colorado.

Farm organizations are warning that America’s agricultural economy is sliding toward crisis levels reminiscent of the 1980s, as low crop prices, high input costs, and ongoing trade disputes squeeze producers. The American Farm Bureau Federation has urged federal leaders to authorize bridge payments and enact long-term solutions to stabilize farm incomes, while analysts note that diversified farms and livestock producers are faring better thanks to strong markets.

Farm economists say the U.S. ag economy is in recession, as trade wars, high costs, and lost exports to China deepen uncertainty for farmers.

Livestock producers, especially beef operations, see record profits in 2025, while crop farmers struggle with low returns, trade disputes, and echoes of the 1980s farm debt crisis. Economists warn of long-term risks as tariffs and high input costs squeeze margins.

Record beef prices, John Deere layoffs, stalled soybean sales to China, farmworker crackdowns, and Temple Grandin’s new documentary highlight ag challenges.

U.S. cattle herd hits a 50-year low; beef prices climb while USDA relocates staff and faces criticism over agency disruptions.

At the Montrose County Fair, 4-H and FFA kids showcase months of hard work in the livestock arena, learning responsibility and life lessons beyond the show ring.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has deployed 11 range riders to monitor livestock and deter wolf attacks in Western Colorado, keeping their identities private due to safety concerns.

USDA halts livestock imports from Mexico due to screwworm outbreak, while U.S.-China tariff adjustments spark hope for U.S. agriculture amid trade tensions.