Why America's Cattle Ranchers Keep Getting Squeezed

The Odd Lots podcast episode features an interview with Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA, discussing the rising beef prices in the US. The conversation explores the historical context of cattle and beef pricing, the impact of industry consolidation, and the role of imports. Bullard explains how the market has shifted, with packers and retailers receiving a larger share of the consumer beef dollar compared to producers. The discussion also covers the effects of drought, input costs, and trade policies on the cattle industry, as well as the potential for vertical integration and the "chickenization" of the beef sector. The hosts and Bullard delve into the challenges faced by independent cattle ranchers, the influence of consumer demand, and the need for antitrust enforcement and country of origin labeling.