Mulroney: Producers Stepping Away Is Not Good For Idaho, Industry

The past couple of years have been very challenging for cattle producers across the Northwest. This year, it was record heat and drought. Last year, it was the pandemic and supply chain shutdowns. And before that, a lack of hook space and several other issues between producers and the packers.

And because of that, producers in the Gem state are looking at selling the ranch and moving in another direction.

Cameron Mulroney, Executive Vice President and the Idaho Cattle Association says the non-farming community may not realize how much the state benefits from cattle production. He noted grazing a great tool that helps reduce wildfire risks. But more and more, he noted properties that serve as a functional ranch units around the state are growing houses rather than cow feed, which Mulroney says will impact the entire state, and not for the positive.

“We’re growing here in Idaho, I know other parts of the Northwest are growing, but its reality that’s happening every day here.  What use to be forage production or range production now is houses.”

Mulroney said while the loss of ranch and forage space is not good for the long-term health of the livestock industry, it’s hard to blame ranchers who have struggled year after year.

“It’s much more appealing when you don’t have the forage and your costs are getting out of control, compared to your calf price to say, you know what, this land I have right now has a lot of value to somebody else, I’m going to go ahead and liquidate and step away.  And, although not the majority, there are some producers that have had to make that decision during this drought and heatwave here.”

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