Alabama cattleman speaks on industry for Cow Appreciation Day

HENRY COUNTY, Ala. (WTVY) - June 9 is Cow Appreciation Day in the state of Alabama, and as a $2.5 billion industry for the state, there is plenty to be appreciative of.

“In our area, cattle play a huge economic impact,” said Kenny Woodham, a Henry County cattle farmer.

Woodham said the financial impact goes well beyond the money from the product.

“There’s several jobs that are 100% dependent on the cattle industry in our area, whether they’re from large ag retailers all the way down to our portable stockyard also,” said Woodham.

Beef prices are rising to abnormally high rates and Woodham attributes the climb to a shortage in cows.

“We are at the lowest number we’ve had since the early 50s, and until we get those numbers built back up, I mean, the price of beef is going to stay high,” said Woodham.

In addition to the lack of cows, Woodham said there is a lack of cattle farmers comparative to previous years. With so many cattle farmers retiring, Woodham said the younger generation of farmers is not replacing them as fast as they are being lost.

“A lot of people are retiring. They’re getting older and there’s not a lot of younger people coming in. A lot of these pastures are going into pine trees or getting tore up in a row crop and I mean, those cattle won’t return to that area,” said Woodham. “I really think in the next few years, we’re going to see some of the negative aspects of that.”

Regardless of the obstacles, cattle farming is still one of the most popular agriculture activities nationwide, and those who work with cows are dedicated to creating a quality product.

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