By Scout Nelson
As of December 1, Nebraska's feedlots reported a slight increase in cattle numbers, holding approximately 2.6 million head, marking a 1% increase from the previous year, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). In contrast, the state's inventory of hogs and pigs showed a decrease, down 4% from last year to 3.65 million head.
Egg production in Nebraska also saw growth, with laying hens totaling 8.45 million in November and producing 208 million eggs, up from 206 million in 2023. Additionally, Nebraska stored 6.30 million cwt of potatoes as of the same date, reflecting robust crop storage capabilities.
The economic landscape for livestock, particularly cattle, presents challenges. The Daily Livestock Report highlighted that current fed cattle prices and beef cutout prices are resulting in gross margins for beef packers that are considerably lower than breakeven, falling into the low $220s when accounting for all costs.
In other agricultural news, a local student from Waverly High School, Esther VanOverbeke, earned top honors at the National FFA Convention agriscience fair. Her project, which focused on the expertise of extension professionals in food safety, was awarded first place, showcasing the talents and initiatives of young scholars in Nebraska's agricultural community.
Adding to the list of concerns for the agricultural sector, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has reported a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial broiler flock located in Johnson County. This incident underscores the ongoing vigilance required to manage and mitigate the risks associated with livestock diseases.
These varied developments across Nebraska's agricultural landscape highlight the dynamic nature of farming and livestock management in the state, reflecting both opportunities and challenges faced by those in the agricultural sector.
Photo Credit:nebraska-department-of-ag
Categories: Nebraska, Crops