Is anyone else about to go broke?

[baccaman]

I know this rebate check is coming but that is only going to drive prices even higher. This is the first time I have had trouble paying the bills this time of year. The three FFF's are killing my operation. (Feed, Fuel, Fert.) I am thinking about just liquidating all my feeders at a loss and stay out for a while. I just don't see how these cattle prices can possibly hold even where they are much longer with the price of corn, diesel, and fert for grass. I'm getting sick of it...is anyone else?

 

[Bluestem]

In the last month or so, I've run into several old timers who have gotten out or thinking of it. Out of your three F's, fuel is a cost out of my control. I'm working on that though. Plan on making my own. As far as feed and fert. I worked that out years ago. I buy very little to no feed for the cattle and fert. costs are well under control so far. I'm also not in the commodity market (fixed that also). Hang in there and start thinking outside the box.

 

[bigbull338]

as said theres only 2 costs you can control.an that feed an fert.we quit putting fert 28yrs ago.an i feed the cows very little feed.cut the fuel down to nothing.get about 90 gal of fuel for the tractor every 2yrs or so.the tractor is only used to stack an feed hay.an do some shredding during the year.

 

[cajunman]

I agree with Bigbull , I don't fert. , I just past a cow paddie spreader across my pastures Monday to help fert. In the weather I keep them all the hay they want.
I plant about 7 acres of rye in the weather for the mommas and rotate them on it to make it last. I sell all young cavles by Nov.
I only have 11 mommas and 1 bull , 7 babies on grow now. Not a big time cattle farm ,but enjoy the Hel$%% out of rising cattle. I have helped my father-in-law for last 10 yrs. but he is getting to old to mess with the cattle , so me and the wife are running it.
Hang in there it will get better. best of luck in Louisiana