BEEF CUTBACK IS CALLED POSSIBLE

DENVER -- Wholesalers and retailers may witness a cutback in beef supplies in the near future, according to an industry survey showing a decline in profitability of the cow-calf business.

he 1,700 respondents operating near breakeven levels, and 15% indicating operations in the red.

Twenty-five percent of cow-calf operators thought they could lower their unit costs of production, whereas 47% said they could not.

Fifteen percent of cow-calf operators at the beginning of 1995 said they planned to reduce their herds, but 28% planned an increase. The expansion percentage was down from 37% in 1994.