Ohio's Steer-y Situation: An Opportunity in the National Cattle Decline

While headlines across the agricultural world lament the shrinking U.S. cattle herd and a steadily declining national calf crop, Ohio's cattle producers find themselves in a unique and arguably enviable position. For the past few years, as the national calf count has dwindled to historical lows—driven by persistent droughts in key cattle states and rising input costs—Ohio's calf crop has demonstrated resilience, remaining relatively stable, hovering around the 480,000 to 500,000 head mark annually.

This stability isn't just a point of pride; it represents a significant, perhaps under-recognized, opportunity. As the national beef supply tightens, prices are likely to remain strong, benefiting producers who can maintain or even increase their output. For Ohio, with its consistent calf production, this could be a golden era for expanding market share and strengthening the state's agricultural economy.

Imagine the scenario: Major cattle-producing states in the West and Southwest continue to grapple with feed shortages and herd liquidations. Nationally, the all-cattle inventory has dropped to levels not seen in decades, with a key driver being the reduced number of beef replacement heifers being kept for breeding due to drought and high interest expenses. Meanwhile, Ohio, with its more consistent rainfall and abundant forage, continues to birth a steady stream of future beef. The state's calf crop was 480,000 head in 2023, up 1% from 2022, holding firm against a national trend of contraction. This divergence creates a clear competitive advantage.

However, recognizing this opportunity is only the first step. To truly capitalize, Ohio needs to strategically position itself. This could involve:

• Highlighting Ohio Beef: Promoting the quality and availability of Ohio-raised beef to consumers and retailers, emphasizing its local origin and sustainable practices.
• Infrastructure Investment: Exploring investments in processing facilities and distribution networks to handle a potentially increased supply, reducing reliance on out-of-state processing.
• Producer Support: Providing resources and incentives for Ohio cattle producers to expand their herds or improve efficiency, ensuring they can meet growing demand.
• Genetic Improvement: Focusing on genetics that enhance feed efficiency and growth rates, maximizing the output from each calf.

The national decline in calf production isn't just a challenge for the beef industry; it's a re-shaping of the landscape. Ohio's steady hand in calf production during this turbulent time means we're not just weathering the storm, we're positioned to thrive in the calmer waters that follow. The question now is, will we seize this opportunity to elevate Ohio's role in feeding the nation? The potential benefits, both for our farmers and our state's economy, are too significant to ignore.

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Endnotes
American Farm Bureau Federation. "U.S. Cattle Inventory Smallest in 73 years." Market Intel. February 5, 2024.
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). "Ohio Cattle Inventory." News Release, NR-24-08. February 1, 2024. (Reports a 2023 calf crop of 480,000 head, up 1 percent from 2022, while the national all cattle and calves inventory declined 2 percent from the prior year.)