However, we are still accepting orders for the markets that will take place after our break. Please feel free to submit an order during this time, and you can pick it up when we resume attending the markets. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding. Thank you!

 

With the drought last year, hay was in short supply and the prices reflected that.  You’d think with all the rain we had this spring that there would be an overabundance and prices would return to normal.  There may be an abundance, but prices do not reflect that.  It’s still about 150% of pre-draught levels (as opposed to 200%).  Perhaps with an unseasonably hot June, the market is banking on another tough year.

Fortunately, we were able to get a good crop of hay off of one of our pastures.  This, coupled with the hay I harvested off of our new leased land (link to June 11th NL) has netted me 75 bales so far - about three quarters of what I think I’ll need this year.  If I can get another cutting off of the leased land (which is likely), I should be in good shape going into the winter. We just need more rain!  

The additional land has been a huge blessing.  I was able to harvest 59 bales so far, and at current prices, has more than paid for this year’s rent. With another similar sized harvest, I should be able to offset the additional costs incurred during last year’s draught.  Many ranchers threw in the towel last year, liquidating their herds to avoid the higher feed costs.  Because of this, there are fewer cattle entering the feed lots, and those wanting to rebuild their herds are paying a premium for female cattle.  The draught affected over 75% of beef producing states in the US, so this is a nationwide issue that will take a few years to resolve.  

In the meantime, the meat packers are importing more beef from abroad – fueled by lower domestic production and a strong US dollar (relatively).  The crazy thing is that most of this meat is labeled “Product of the US”.  How can they do that, you may ask?  The dirty truth is that beef and pork raised anywhere in the world may be labeled “Product of the USA” or “Made in the USA” as long as the animal was slaughtered in the US.  Some of this meat is also labeled “Organic” as long as it meets the organic standards in the country it was shipped from.  I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit dubious about the regulatory agencies in Nicaragua, Hungary, and China.  

 

Here at Amber Oaks Ranch, the cattle are born and raised just a few miles from your dining room table. They are grass-fed and grass-finished on chemical free pastures (which explains why a good hay crop so important) and never receive vaccines or growth hormones. Texas has a long, proud tradition of supplying great beef, and we’re honored to carry on that legacy.  

However, we are still accepting orders for the markets that will take place after our break. Please feel free to submit an order now, and you can pick it up when we resume attending the markets. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding. Thank you!