Strong demand and tighter supplies have helped push cattle prices higher. 

Ellen Rahn, who operates a cow/calf operation in northwestern Illinois, says that could always change.

“We don’t always know what’s gonna lie ahead.”  She says, “Is the cattle market gonna take a plummet along with, you know, our commodity prices? That’s something that we’re always in fear of.”

Josh St. Peters, executive vice president with the Illinois Beef Association, tells Brownfield maintaining demand is crucial.

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