From Cull Cows to Capitol Hill: What's Moving in Ag This Week

Newsletter #3

Had an interesting week that got me thinking about taking calculated risks in agriculture. You know that feeling when you're about to try something new, and your stomach does a little flip? That was me this week, jumping into cull cow feeding.

Here's the deal - I decided to try my hand at buying some cull cows to fatten up. The math seems straightforward enough: buy low, feed smart for about 90 days, and aim to sell high. These aren't your typical feeder cattle, but that's exactly what makes it interesting. When feed prices and market conditions line up right, there's potential to add value to these overlooked animals.

It got me thinking about how we approach new ventures in agriculture. Sometimes the best opportunities aren't in doing what everyone else is doing, but in finding those overlooked niches. Sure, there's always risk involved, but here's how I approach it:

Start small enough to fail safely
Do the math backwards - know your target sale price and work back from there
Have a Plan B (and maybe a Plan C) before you start
Learn from others who've tried it, but don't be afraid to adapt their methods
Keep detailed records from day one - you can't improve what you don't measure

The beauty of agriculture is there's always something new to learn. Whether it's fattening cull cows, trying a new crop rotation, or exploring direct marketing - every season brings chances to grow our operations in unexpected ways.

Would love to hear about any new ventures you're considering. Sometimes the best ideas come from sharing our "what if" moments with each other.

-Henry Hollenbeck

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With all the election activity this week, I've been thinking a lot about where agriculture is headed. Times of change often bring new opportunities, and I wanted to share some thoughts with you all.

We've all watched grocery prices stay stubbornly high, while regulatory shifts at agencies like the FDA and USDA seem to be on the horizon. For those of us who've been questioning these agencies' approaches to food production for years, this feels like a watershed moment. The timing might be just right for farms that have been focusing on healthy, sustainable practices.

Here's what I'm seeing: consumers are still willing to pay for quality food, especially when they know it's produced with care. Those of us who've been quietly building sustainable, transparent operations might find ourselves in a sweet spot. Whether it's through organic practices, regenerative methods, or just good old-fashioned attention to quality, there are real opportunities emerging.

For those wondering what this means for your operation - now might be the perfect time to take inventory. What changes have you been considering but haven't pulled the trigger on? How could your operation benefit from a fresh look at regulations and market opportunities? Sometimes the best moves come during times of change.

I've been having great conversations with folks about positioning their operations for whatever comes next. If you'd like to bounce around some ideas about your farm or ranch’s future, just give me a call.

-Mike Hollenbeck

From the Freezer (aka Sara’s Desk):

Just had a thought to share about something we often overlook in agriculture - those daily moments that seem ordinary to us but fascinate others. You know what I mean - the stuff we do without thinking twice.

Last week, I watched a woman’s face light up when I explained why we collect eggs twice a day in the winter (those freezing temperatures aren't egg-friendly!). It reminded me how the "routine" parts of agricultural life are actually pretty interesting to folks who don't live it.

Some simple content ideas that connect:

-That morning ritual of checking the horses while the fog's still lifting

-The story behind that weathered barn door your great-grandfather hung

-Why you name certain animals but not others

-The satisfaction of seeing your first seedlings break through

-How you can tell when a storm's coming just by watching your cattle

-The "farm hacks" you've developed over years that make life easier

These aren't just stories - they're windows into our world. Share them casually in your social posts, emails, or when chatting with clients. No need to make it fancy - just honest glimpses of daily life. If you have a picture or video to go along with the story, even better.

Remember: What feels like "just another Tuesday" to you might be exactly what helps someone understand and connect with agriculture on a deeper level.

Worth thinking about next time you're doing those everyday tasks that are second nature to you but might be fascinating to others.

-Sara Hollenbeck

Question: What are you looking forward to with a new administration?

Henry: Lower interest rates and how foreign trade will be handled.

Mike: Time for a real shake-up in how we produce and market our food. I'm hoping to see supply and demand work the way it should - you know, actually rewarding the folks who put food on America's tables. Would be nice to see those antitrust laws put to work and spread some of that wealth from the boardroom to the barn.

Sara: Call me optimistic, but I'm dreaming of Americans reaching for USA meat at the grocery store because it should be the only option.