HDRider":3d4u85gu said:I think you are missing my point. Regulations (I know this is your feathered bed) have ravaged Ma & Pa.Margonme":3d4u85gu said:A component of the US cattle industry that needs a broad based market to prosper is the cattle show enterprise. A lot of money is spent on cattle showmanship. It attracts those who don't produce beef but who want their children involved in a safe vocation that builds good work ethics and home grown values.
If you follow the PB cattle sales, you know that a lion's share of the heifers with show traits and show potential are the ones selling for 4 and 8 K. That market has lots of tiers. It includes markets for show equipment, trailers, semen sales, show feeds, supplies, etc. The show business is just as vital as the commercial feeder sales. It promotes cattle. It contributes to the economics of the beef industry.
Reverting to local beef markets ignores the components of the cattle industry that make up its diversity and generates cash flow. If the cattle industry degrades into "niche" markets selling local beef, I think the cattle show industry will suffer. To continue to support a diverse broad based cattle industry in the US, global markets are essential.
Also, what is not being factored into the local unregulated market comments is the producer who runs 300 plus cows. Bigger producers need more than local markets. They prosper best when the US is exporting beef. To maintain the kind of beef industry we have today, we need to advocate for everyone in the industry not just small producers.
I am not an advocate for demoting the US cattle industry into local "Ma and pa" operations. The industry is too big. It supports everything from Sullivan Supply and makers of cattle clippers to John Deere farm machinery. We need global markets and we need a President and Congress that advocate for the beef industry. We need trade agreements and other incentives to promote our industry. If that involves regulations, let it be. I don't see this as a conservative versus liberal issue. I see it as an issue of SURVIVAL for the US cattle industry.
No one is saying end the big game, but you can bet your bottom dollar "they" are working to kill the little guy.
The show business?? Are you kidding me?
HD:
Do you get out much? Yes, the show cattle business is huge. Lots of money. Lots of big spenders. Regardless of what people perceive as the "real" market, business is business. And the cattle show business is big business. The entire pyramid is huge. It is one of the means to advertising.