The Texas AgriLife Extension Service has launched a statewide educational program, “Rebuilding the Beef Herd,” to assist cattle producers in restoring Texas’ dwindling beef cattle inventories. This initiative comes at a critical time, as the state’s cattle numbers have reached historic lows due to decades of decline, exacerbated by the devastating drought of 2011 and ongoing challenges like competing land use, economic pressures, and limited financing. With the beef industry being the second-largest economic driver in Texas, bringing billions to the state’s economy, rebuilding herds is essential to preserving industry infrastructure.
The program focuses on five key areas: Challenges in Agriculture Financing, Forage Recovery, Options for Replacements, Value of Replacements, and Generational Turnover. These topics address the complex factors producers must navigate to expand their herds responsibly. “We’re at some of the lowest cow numbers in the U.S. that we’ve seen in a long time,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist and coordinator of the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. “With high calf prices and a promising market outlook, there’s strong interest in rebuilding, but producers need practical strategies to make it work.”
The training sessions emphasize the importance of balancing herd expansion with environmental and economic realities. For instance, forage recovery is a top priority, as pastures damaged by drought must be restored before stocking rates can increase. “Producers will want to rebuild quickly, but they need to match their strategies with pasture recovery,” said Stan Bevers, an AgriLife Extension economist. The program will cover rotational grazing techniques and pasture management to ensure long-term sustainability. Another focus is selecting replacement females, whether through retaining heifers or purchasing bred cows or cow-calf pairs.
Dr. Ron Gill, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, will lead discussions on evaluating replacement options, highlighting the need for cows with environmental adaptability and longevity. “It’s critical to choose cattle that can thrive in your operation’s conditions,” Gill noted. Sessions will also explore the economic value of replacements, addressing how to assess costs in a market with high demand and rising prices. Financing challenges are a significant hurdle, with tightened lending policies and higher interest rates complicating reinvestment.
The program will provide insights into navigating these issues, including how to leverage available capital and manage tax implications. Bevers emphasized a systematic approach to financial planning, urging producers to align rebuilding efforts with long-term profitability.