Summer prices may be a bit discouraging this year having averaged above $50 for the past two years.

Beef producers continued to expand the breeding herd for the second year. Beef cow numbers increased by 1 percent during 2005 after a small rise in 2004. The total number of cows increased by 338,000 head and the increase was concentrated in the western Corn Belt, where Missouri increased by 115,000 cows and Iowa by 40,000.

It's a little bit discouraging, but it's something we can't dwell on. We have to realize guys are going to play way above their heads when they play us. We have to find a way to match their effort.

Typically January is our coldest month. It's definitely been a bit above normal.

Our summer was a bit slower than normal, but after Monday and Tuesday of last week, we're not really down at all.

I think I'm kind of cocky a little bit because I beat them last year and I'm 3-1 in the last four games against them.