10/23/2025
On location this morning in the beautiful state of Florida. FENCO FARMS LLC will be kicking off their Inaugural Sale today at 12 noon in Floral City, FL. A herculean effort was made to get the brand new facility built. From groundbreaking to hosting the sale, the efforts of all those involved exemplify the can-do spirit of American agriculture. Old friends from across the country and just down the road are turning out to support FENCO.
The sentiment last night and this morning show a bit of anxiety about Trump's messaging. Most producers gave a quick response that centered around the price consumers are paying, but memories of low feeder calf prices just a year ago tempered the full discussion. The cow/calf producer is feeling some relief in the ability to handle major repairs on equipment and infrastructure and even expand in some areas such as upgrades to breeding stock. And they are here today to throw some bids to show enthusiasm for the future.
Producers feel that we don't need Argentine beef to help with consumer prices. Quite a few of these producers are Trump supporters. Also, quite a few aren't sure where the idea of Argentine beef being imported came from. Global trade has definitely supported the higher prices producers feel from the US export prices we receive. But the idea of boxed beef competing against our grainfed homegrown product has producers on edge.
One theory heard over the last few days was interesting and hopeful. The Art of the Deal has one major component we may be seeing right now. Everything is a negotiation. What if the big 4 packers jumped and helped curb some of the price stress on consumers? What if the gubment didn't haveta do nothing at all? What if industry as a whole was rallied by the threat that was never really a reality? Win-Win. Trump gets the credit. No Argentine beef. Prices fall due to industry movement, to a level that leaves the consumer able to buy, yet gives the profit the cow/calf guy needs to keep the lights on at home. What if? Take this opportunity to reach out to your Congressional delegation. Whatever your flavor of politics is, now is the time to get to know those that can have a voice in the discussion. Make the call.
Prayers that God provides you a blessing today, this week, or for a lifetime. The retirement plan provided by riding for The JC Brand is better than just streets of gold. Also, prayers for the loved ones dealing with health issues or terminal illness. There's a lot of heartache out there. Without rain, how would we know how good the sunshine feels, or how the flowers look in full bloom?
In His hands,
Marcus