Cattle feed at a ranch in Dublin, Texas, on September 11, 2026. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP for Getty Images hide caption

RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP for Getty Images

Driving around his farm in a four-wheeler, Scott Birker warned that his cattle were in a bad mood.

"They're a little grumpy with me right now," he said.

When asked why, he said matter-of-factly: "We just got done weaning."

Birker should know his herd well, given that he's been raising beef cattle outside the Eastern Iowa town of Garrison since 2001. His operation has about 150 "mama cows" and sells feeder calves, as well as some cattle for meat.…