1.   As feed prices go up, cattle and hog raisers cut back to reduce costs.

2.   As feed prices soar, feedlot operators are forced to reduce the number of animals in their lots.

3.   At the same time, corn prices were climbing today because of shorter than expected inventories, boosting feed prices.

4.   A tough winter and high-priced feed depressed milk production last year, while this year the winter was mild and feed prices have been low.

5.   A year ago, many operators were cutting their herds as record feed prices eroded profits.

6.   Feed prices, especially for beef cattle, have risen so steeply that not a cow in Texas can pay its way.

7.   Feedlots since last fall have steadily expanded their herds as feed prices fell from record highs.

8.   Forecasts of tighter corn and soybean supplies are likely to send feed prices higher, reducing profits for fattening animals for slaughter.

9.   Higher feed prices would result, eventually, in higher meat prices at the supermarket.

10.   Higher feed prices can initially drive meat prices down as animals that become too expensive to feed are killed, adding to supplies.