Thanks for the post, Vicky.  I heard snips of it on the radio today.

I have to think it will take longer than 2012 before we see any significant increase in the beef herd.  If I decide to keep a heifer calf this year, she is bred in 2012, calves in 2013 and that calf is ready for harvest in 2014. That first calf replaces his dam heifer being removed from slaughter so it is 2015 and her second calf before there is a net increase in the beef herd. and that assumes we don't cull the heifer's dam cow for the next 4 years!

So I don't think there will be a significant net increase in the US cattle herd until 2015 or 2016 at the earliest.

Another interesting quote in the report is the statement "feed prices are expected to decline from current levels".

I guess I personally don't see much of a consistent, significant decline in feed prices (corn, soybeans and wheat) between now and 2020 with demand for grains increasing in many areas.

Lots of food for thought. Thank you.

Jim at Dawn