Some ranchers say calving is more profitable this year due to weather and record-high prices

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - All ranchers have their methods, but those who choose to calve early are wrapping up and reaping the benefits of the season.

Steven Fallgatter is a Partner at Flying F Ranch in Driscoll. He said this season has brought some positives. He said he was able to calve three weeks earlier this year— starting mid-February. He said it was easier this year thanks to the milder weather.

He said he sees the best profits when he sells in December and January because his calves are bigger sooner. He said the record-high cattle prices are also more beneficial this year, especially to those who’ve calved early. Last month, he said he sold some steers for $2,544 each. That’s about $450 more than he’s ever sold them for before.

“Five-hundred-pound steers right now bring over $4 per pound. When I first started in this thing, I sold 600-pound steers for 65 cents [per pound]. But inputs are high also; it’s not cheap raising them,” said Fallgatter.

He said he didn’t lose any calves this season due to the weather. While he said the prices of everything but machinery have gone up year-to-year due to inflation, he’s hopeful tariffs will help in the long run.