Journal Article

Not Bullish: U.S. Cattle Herds Hung Up on Higher Interest Expenses


Abstract: Cattle inventories declined to historically low levels at the start of 2024. Cattle producers may face challenges maintaining or restocking herds, as higher interest expenses on cattle and input purchases in 2022–23 have constrained profit margins. Although feed costs have decreased slightly, higher costs for financing and other operating expenses could continue to put pressure on cattle production and profitability.

Keywords: Cattle industry; agriculture; Farm loans;

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Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

Part of Series: Economic Bulletin

Publication Date: 2024-03-29

Pages: 4