Plans to open two new cattle slaughter plants, and the announcement that another will avoid the chopping block, are clear signals that Iowa’s cattle industry is gaining strength as feeders take advantage of the state’s abundant feed supplies. And that points to good things for livestock farmers and the entire Iowa economy.

"Any time you have more players in the market, that’s a better situation for cattlemen as there’s more competition for those cattle," said Lee Schulz, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach livestock economist. "That gives them...