Compared to last year at this time, the cattle markets are experiencing increased volatility levels. “Everything from trade disruptions to general concern about price declines is influencing the market,” explains South Dakota State University Extension risk management specialist Matthew Diersen. “The April live cattle contract has fallen about $10 per hundredweight since the October/November time frame.” With the increased volatility in the cattle markets, how can producers maximize resources and minimize risk? To maximize budgets in a tight economy, SDSU Extension is encouraging livestock producers to get forages and other feed supplies tested; that’s if they haven’t been already. Livestock business management specialist Heather Gessner says that will allow for more accurate, balanced rations. “I’m a big proponent of if you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it in a very efficient manner.” Gessner and Diersen shared this information during a SDSU Extension webinar series, which can be viewed here with password 8T46gz. Listen to the full RRFN story.