Jon Angell

First off, let me mention last month’s issue. I was nervous about running such a long feature. It turned out that there was a lot of interest in the Wayne Cryts’ Great Soybean War story. I have had as much feedback on that story as we have had in a long time. It turns out that several readers have mentioned that they remembered personally parts of the story from the time it was going on.

A common theme from the responses was that they appreciated seeing all the events, people, and facets of the story compiled into one historical narrative.

Up front for this issue is a story involving a “middle market” processor that I came across from a few months ago. These medium size outfits are becoming rare. Finding a safe space to do business that the big guys won’t crush you is a trick.

The Linz program is largely vertically integrated, so for our reading cattle producers any direct benefit is limited. One benefit for all of us is a little extra knowledge of how the beef industry is working downstream (or is that upstream?)

However, for those readers who are building a business from gate to plate on a small scale, I thought the article would maybe stimulate some ideas.

Also, on the front I would point out that Beyond Meat, the plant-based “meat” manufacturer has made a good bit of negative business press. Hard times and less than impressive product reception is running its course.

The buzz around the introduction of the company’s stock a little over five years ago was pretty discouraging. The mainstream media was all about promoting real meat substitutes. However, traditional livestock agriculture is winning many public relations battles. The demand from high protein diet trends is really helping our cause.

I am now well past discouragement and well into encouraged for our industry going forward.

That brings me to the latest political explosion – President Trump’s comments on beef and high beef prices. He made comments suggesting that he wanted a trade deal with Argentina to import more beef to help bring down the price of beef for the average voter (oops, I meant to say consumer). Then, that later developed into a social media post that seemed to have a sharp point directed towards cattlemen as reactions started to swell.

This story is still rolling as we are working to print this issue of our paper. It’s been a long time since I have seen such outrage and controversy that is sparking reactions from every direction. My own social media accounts were all over the place. I loved how friends and acquaintances from different political leanings were gleeful in jabbing me that I was “getting what I voted for.”

I believe everyone is overreacting. Everyone, remain calm. By the time you are reading this article, I’m going to guess that everything has either worked out successfully or well on its way. Keep things in context. Most of this is short-sighted thinking. Cooler heads and long game players will fix most of this rub.

A trade deal with Argentina on beef will have far more to do with supporting Javier Milei of Argentina financially and politically against domestic socialist and Chinese influences. Argentina and the beef they can provide are minor players and will likely remain such.

Rumor has it that President Trump was meeting with several “establishment beef” representatives who went into the meeting with “guns blazing.” It was even said these beef representatives had even gone as far as giving the President some “ultimatums” in the meeting. This of course didn’t go well. That was the spark that started the conflagration.

Some unsolicited advice is in order here that I received as a youth. Don’t pick a fight you can’t win. I don’t know who thought it a good idea to pick a fight with DJT, but someone didn’t think that one through.

For the most part, the cattle markets, media, and everyone else is overreacting. I plan on relaxing and watching it play out… odds are easily in favor of it working out fine in the end.

We have another great issue for you this month. Page 8 has some very good information on managing incoming calves. Carolyn Allen has another interesting barn history on page 13. One regular column I rarely highlight should not be missed, Milo Yield’s column on page 21 is particularly interesting this month. His description and thoughts on “original wealth” is very engaging.

Thanksgiving comes later in the month and let us all recognize we all have a lot to be thankful of… I know I do.
Thank you, for reading and your continued support.

Send questions, story ideas, criticism, encouragement to:
Jon Angell
Publisher CA
PO Box C
Centralia MO 65240