FCSAmerica shares lender insights for Beef Month

OMAHA, Neb. May 5, 2026— As the U.S. beef industry recognizes Beef Month this May, Farm Credit Services of America joins in recognizing beef producers for their essential role in feeding families, strengthening rural communities, and sustaining a safe, reliable food supply for the nation. At the same time, producers are navigating one of the most financially pivotal moments the industry has experienced in decades, shaped by historically high cattle values, rising capital requirements, and increased exposure to market volatility.

While strong consumer demand and elevated prices have created meaningful opportunities across the beef sector, larger balance sheets and higher replacement costs are raising the stakes for operators, according to FCSAmerica. Day‑to‑day business decisions, financial planning and risk management are more critical than ever.

“The market the past few years has offered real opportunity, but it also leaves less room for error,” said Marshall Hansen, senior vice president with FCSAmerica’s corporate protein team. “It simply takes more capital to operate than it did in the past. And when markets shift, the financial impact can be significant.”

Bigger Numbers Bring Bigger Challenges  

The beef lending experts at FCSAmerica note that unprecedented values on assets ranging from cattle and feed to land and equipment magnify risk across the entire operation. As costs and values rise together, even small market movements can have an outsized effect on cash flow and long‑term financial health.

“Producers aren’t just managing higher prices; they’re managing larger loan commitments,” Hansen said. “Operations that are thinking through multiple scenarios and staying disciplined in decision‑making tend to be better positioned when uncertainty shows up.”

Risk Management Becomes a Core Business Strategy 

Risk management has become a foundational part of running a resilient beef operation – not a secondary tool used only in extreme market conditions. Landon Nelson, vice president of livestock insurance for FCSAmerica, said the focus is increasingly shifting from trying to time the market to protecting the overall strength of the business. “Successful operations are less concerned with catching the top of the market and more focused on maintaining consistency and durability,” Nelson said. “The goal is to protect the equity that has been built over time and keep the operation viable through both strong and challenging cycles.”

Nelson added that as margins tighten during periodic pullbacks, producers are evaluating more comprehensive approaches that address price risk alongside broader operational and financial exposure, particularly when planning for the year ahead. “RMA has continued to make incremental enhancements to LRP as they build on a steady evolution that has made the program more accessible and practical for producers,” he added. “The program now fits more naturally into day‑to‑day marketing and risk decisions. We focus on helping producers understand what’s available and how these tools can be used in their risk management strategy.”

Capital Management Will Shape the Next Beef Cycle 

Fallon Savage, senior vice president of corporate credit for FCSAmerica, said the decisions beef producers make today will have lasting implications well beyond the current market cycle. “High cattle values can accelerate progress, but they also demand a higher level of discipline,” Savage said. “Producers who stay intentional with capital, maintain strong communication with their lender and prepare for swings in the market are better equipped to remain competitive long term.” Savage noted that lenders are spending more time helping producers evaluate capital investments, stress-test assumptions, and ensure growth decisions align with realistic expectations.

Beef Month: A Business Perspective 

While Beef Month celebrates the people and products that drive the industry, FCSAmerica says it’s also an important moment to recognize the business fundamentals that support beef production – planning, risk management, and long‑term thinking. “The choices being made today will influence not only near‑term profitability, but the future of these operations for the next generation,” Savage said. “Strong partnerships and informed decision making play a critical role in sustaining the beef industry over time.”

Farm Credit Services of America press release