Should I Liquidate the Herd While the Cattle Market is Strong?

Jan 16, 2025

By Dr. Andrew Griffith

This week a question was asked concerning liquidating the cow herd while the cattle market is strong. This is not the first time I have received this question as several producers have certainly entertained the thought.

The answer or the correct move for an individual producer is dependent on expectations, goals, longevity in the business, and alternative land uses if the land the cattle are on is owned. One thought some should consider is that the cattle market is expected to stay high for three years. If a person can stand to stay in business for a couple of years then it may be a wise decision to capitalize on a couple or three of years of strong calf prices and slowly market a few cows without keeping any heifers as replacements. This will result in taking advantage of the market while reducing the herd size. The producer can then reevaluate the alternative in year three and determine if liquidating the herd completely is still in the best interest of all parties.

Tax implications should also be considered when making this decision.

Source : osu.edu

Video: Refeeding Syndrome After Weaning - Dr. Theo van Kempen

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Theo van Kempen, an independent consultant with extensive swine nutrition and product development experience, explains how refeeding syndrome can affect newly weaned piglets. He discusses phosphate depletion, edema, intestinal health, oxygen delivery, and high-glycemic nursery diets, and presents nutritional strategies designed to reduce postweaning challenges. Listen now on all major platforms!

Click here to read the full research article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40710...

“Refeeding syndrome develops when feeding resumes after fasting, creating an acute phosphate deficiency as metabolism rapidly accelerates and cellular phosphate requirements increase.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Theo van Kempen / theo-van-kempen-26181b15 holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Illinois and has extensive experience in swine nutrition, digestive health, nutrient management, and feed product development. His career includes academic research at North Carolina State University and leadership positions in animal nutrition R&D. He currently works independently in product development, including nutraceutical and nutritional innovation. Listen to Dr. Theo van Kempen on The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms!