With the U.S. cattle herd at a 75-year low, attention remains focused on when producers will begin rebuilding inventories. North Dakota Stockmen’s Association President Tim Erbele says market fundamentals should drive that decision and “not have these outside undue influences from Washington DC that completely skew the reality of fundamentals.” Erbele remains optimistic about the near-term cattle market. “I think we’re good for a year,” he said during the North Dakota Bankers Association Ag Credit Conference in Fargo. Looking farther ahead, Erbele said producers and lenders should watch for rebuilding signals as they approach 2029 and 2030, when risk management could become increasingly important.
