feature story
Trudi Peterson and her family raise sheep, cattle
and grain near Lewistown, Montana. In March, their
steers were in a small feedlot in Nebraska, with just
a month left before processing. COVID-19 disruptions
at processing plants forced the Petersons to hold
steers on feed for at least 30 more days. With
delayed payments and additional feed costs, they
now hope to have their cattle finished mid-June.
The number of calves and fat cattle outside of feedlots
in May reached the highest level since 2009. Now, with
packing capacity nearly back to normal, the backlog
continues as the food service industry slowly reopens.
Trudi says COVID-19 impacts to the wool market are
still unknown as international borders begin to reopen.
But there are bright spots. "I'm seeing more people
now who are starting to value local businesses," says
Trudi. "We're getting calls from people looking for
locally sourced meat, because they want to know
where their meat is coming from. My son's girlfriend
is looking at more local markets for selling our lamb
and I'm excited to try that. Unfortunately, the butcher
shops are feeling the brunt of this shift. Our butcher is
60 miles from here and he said it would be February
before he could fit us in."
During state lockdowns, the Petersons have been
able to spend more time together as a family. Their
daughter, an employee of Farm Credit of America in
Omaha, Nebraska, and her family spent seven weeks
on the Montana ranch. "They were able to work from
home and their son was able to finish school from
here. We were lambing at the time, so my young
grandsons (ages five and seven) got to learn a lot
about life and death," Trudi says. "I think other people
are feeling the value in being home with family, too."
COVID-19 Disruptions
Perspectives from Northwest Producers
In early June, we visited with Local Advisory Committee members from across the Northwest to hear
how current events are impacting their industries, businesses and families. They shared what they're
experiencing and learning. And, how current events are changing their business perspectives and
planning for the future.
Trudi Peterson
Judith Gap, Montana
7 Northwest Farm Credit Services