Ag Lender Warns Capital Challenges Threaten Future of U.S. Cow Herd
June 13, 2026
One of the most pressing issues discussed during the Common Ground Coalition's Midwest Regional Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, was how to help young and emerging producers gain access to the capital needed to enter and remain in the cattle business.
Among those leading the conversation was Nebraska cattle producer and agricultural lender Tim Meyer, who said the challenge has become significantly more difficult over the past two years as cattle values and operating costs have continued to rise.
"It's really become an issue in the last 18 to 24 months with the cattle business being as capital intensive as it's gotten," Meyer said. "Without generational help, it's a very tall task for a young producer to get themselves started in cattle feeding, ranching, or a cow-calf operation."
The discussion comes at a time when the U.S. cattle herd remains at historically low levels while cattle prices continue to set records. Meyer said the combination has created both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges for those hoping to enter the industry.
"If you're going to look at getting into the business, it's quite an investment," Meyer said.
During breakout sessions, participants explored ways to improve access to capital and ownership opportunities for beginning producers. One idea receiving strong support was expanding borrowing limits within existing USDA and Farm Service Agency lending programs.
"We've got some great government programs that already exist," Meyer said. "I think we need to increase the limits that young people are able to borrow through those programs."
Meyer also warned that the issue extends beyond individual operations and could eventually become a food security concern if the industry is unable to rebuild the nation's cow herd.
"If we don't build this cow herd back up, we may have a real problem on our hands," he said.
Another major focus of the discussion centered on succession planning and finding ways for retiring producers to transition ownership to the next generation.
"Those guys are the future," Meyer said. "We've got to figure out a way to get ownership into their hands."
Meyer praised both the Common Ground Coalition and the Livestock Marketing Association for bringing together leaders from across the livestock industry to discuss solutions to long-term challenges.
"I've been in the lending business for over 35 years and truly been looking for something like this to help bridge the older and retiring generations to the younger generation," Meyer said.
He noted that a common theme throughout the Omaha meeting was a commitment to future generations.
"We're not here for ourselves," Meyer said. "We're here for our kids, our grandkids, and those coming behind us because we want to see this industry not only survive, but thrive."
For Meyer, the gathering served as both a learning opportunity and a chance to collaborate with some of the livestock industry's most respected leaders.
"This common ground group is as good of an organization as I've been a part of in more than 35 years of ag lending and ag marketing experience," he said.
The Common Ground Coalition's Midwest Regional Meeting was the second of four regional gatherings scheduled this year, with additional meetings planned for Nashville, Tennessee, and Fort Worth, Texas. Coalition leaders hope the discussions will continue generating practical solutions to help strengthen the future of American agriculture and the livestock industry.
Source: Western Ag Network
