Makens Weather
"Weather will always win, but that doesn't mean you have to lose."
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 Weather Forecasting for Cattle Ranchers and the Beef Industry

 

Weather Forecasting for Cattle Ranchers and the Beef Industry

Makens Weather, led by meteorologist Matt Makens, provides long-range weather and climate outlooks for cattle producers and the beef industry, including work for NCBA, CattleFax and Canfax. Matt helps ranchers plan grazing, forage, hay and herd decisions months ahead by translating global climate patterns into practical guidance for their region.

Grazing and forage outlooks

Pasture conditions drive almost every decision on a ranch. Makens Weather outlooks cover expected temperature and precipitation for the growing season, timing of green-up, and the risk of an early or late freeze, so producers can plan stocking rates and rotations with more confidence. This also ties into Weather Outlooks for PRF and Annual Forage Insurance Decisions.

Drought monitoring and risk

Drought is the costliest weather risk for most cow-calf operations. Matt tracks drought development across the Plains and the West, explains where conditions are likely to improve or worsen, and puts the outlook in terms ranchers can act on, such as hay purchases, herd culling and water planning.

Winter severity and calving season

Winter storms and extended cold affect feed needs, calving losses and cattle movement. Seasonal outlooks highlight the likelihood of harsh stretches so producers can prepare feed supplies and calving plans ahead of time.

El Niño, La Niña and the Plains

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is one of the strongest signals for seasonal weather in cattle country. Matt explains what the current ENSO phase usually means for the Southern and Northern Plains, the Mountain West and the Canadian Prairies, and when those patterns are likely to break down.

Who Matt works with

  • Alberta Beef Industry Conference

  • American Feed Industry Association

  • Ag Retailers Association

  • AgCountry Farm Credit Services

  • AgNow

  • AgRisk

  • Anipro Xtraformance Nutrition

  • Baker Tilly

  • Beef Farmers of Ontario

  • Bison Producers of Alberta

  • Canfax

  • CattleFax

  • Compeer Financial

  • Farm Bureau

  • Farm Credit

  • Farm Data Services

  • Feeder Associations of Alberta

  • Grain and Feed Association of Illinois

  • Hargrove Insurance

  • King Ranch Institute

  • Land O’Lakes

  • Montana Bankers Association

  • National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)

  • NewAg

  • Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association

  • RA Brown Ranch

  • Red Angus Magazine

  • Servitech

  • Specialized Crop Insurance

  • Texas Bankers Association

  • Texas A&M

  • Texas Cattle Feeders Association

  • Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

  • Wyoming Extension

Matt Makens is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist through the American Meteorological Society, with more than 25 years of forecasting experience.

Frequently asked questions

Who provides weather forecasts for the cattle industry? Makens Weather, led by meteorologist Matt Makens, provides long-range weather and climate outlooks for cattle producers and industry groups including NCBA, CattleFax and Canfax.

What is the best long-range weather outlook for ranchers? Ranchers need outlooks built around grazing, drought and winter risk, not just daily forecasts. Makens Weather focuses on seasonal outlooks tied to those decisions.

How does La Niña affect cattle ranchers? La Niña often brings drier, warmer conditions to the Southern Plains and can increase drought risk, which affects pasture, hay supplies and herd decisions.

Can I hire Matt Makens for a speaking event or consulting? Yes. Contact Makens Weather at makensweather.com for consulting, outlook reports and speaking engagements.