Can You Still Make Money Raising Cattle? | Wesley Wood

Can you still make money raising cattle at today's prices? Texas cattleman Wesley Wood joins Kasey Mock on The Landowner Insider to break down the real economics of the cattle business—from cattle prices and feed costs to break-even numbers, cost of gain, market timing, and managing risk. With calves around $2,000 and cows reaching $5,000, producers have significant capital tied up in cattle. Wesley explains why knowing your true cost of production matters, how he decides which cattle to buy, feed, hold, or move, and why taking calculated risks is very different from gambling. Kasey and Wesley also discuss cattle quality, feed yard efficiency, interest, facilities, the shrinking U.S. cow herd, and the decisions that can separate profitable cattle operations from expensive mistakes. In this episode: • Can ranchers still make money raising cattle? • Today's cattle prices and market conditions • $2,000 calves and $5,000 cows • Calculating your cattle break-even • Cost of production and cost of gain • Feed costs and feed yard efficiency • When to buy, feed, hold, or sell cattle • Improving cattle quality and operational efficiency • The shrinking U.S. cow herd • Managing risk in the cattle business • Why “scared money don’t make money” doesn't mean gambling Whether you're a cattle producer, rancher, Texas landowner, agricultural investor, or someone considering getting into the cattle business, this episode offers a practical look at the numbers behind raising cattle. ▶️ Subscribe to The Landowner Insider for conversations about Texas land, ranching, agriculture, markets, business, and the people shaping the future of our state. Do you know your true break-even per head? Let us know what you're seeing in the cattle market.