The cowboy is one of the most romantic, enduring figures in the American consciousness, right up there with astronauts, muscle cars and George Washington. However, somewhere along the line, a disconnect grew in the minds of the public between the 1,000-mile cattle drives of the 19th century and modern beef production.

Farmers and ranchers across the country are expressing frustration – but very little surprise – at Congress’ continued inability to make any progress on a new farm bill. The omnibus legislation, which historically has received strong bipartisan support, expired on Sept. 30 after receiving a one-year extension in 2023.

Frustration continues to simmer as evidence continues to mount that legislators in Washington are unmotivated to move forward on a new farm bill.

While lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to debate several points of a potential 2024 Farm Bill, the general public shows a severe lack of familiarity with the proposed omnibus legislation, according to the June 2024 Consumer Food Insights report.

The USDA’s June 2024 Cattle on Feed report showed 11.6 million cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the country on feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head, slightly below the June 2023 report.

Efficient. Sustainable. Profitable. Productive. Economical. They feel like buzzwords, yet they’ve maintained their lofty position in the cattle industry zeitgeist for long enough now that it’s impossible to shy away from the inevitability – and even merit – of defining and reaching for such ideals.

It’s no secret: Feed has always accounted for, by far, the biggest production expense of beef cattle production.