My neighbor Clem is a skeptic. Despite the past few months, when all segments of the beef industry have made money, Clem is certain good times won't last. We talked about this the other day.

Jack: "Market analysts say things look positive, with no signs of an over-supply in prospect."

Clem: "They're wrong about that. We have a serious over-supply of market analysts. They have to look on the bright side to keep their jobs."

I tried to ignore Clem's sarcasm.

Jack: "There are several reasons to be positive about the beef industry right now, Clem. This business looks to remain profitable for the foreseeable future."

Clem (snorting): "If you believe that, the guys in the white coats haul you off to a rubber room."

Jack: "But look at our beef exports. We are selling a record amount of beef overseas. Exports to Japan are up to where that country's purchases are back to about 2000, when Japanese buying tailed off some."

Clem: "The Japanese are fickle customers. Let Americans buy a Toyota or two less and beef sales to Japan tank."

Jack: "Well, how about China? There are 1.3 billion potential beef customers in China, and American fast-food companies are making strong in-roads there."

Clem: "What's a Happy Meal in China? A Big Mac, fried rice and two fortune cookies? The best we can hope for is that Chinese beef buying may put a prop under the cull cow market."

I took the argument personal.

Jack: "Speaking of cull cows, don't I still see that old brindle cow in your herd? The one that hasn't raised a calf the past 2 years."

Clem: "Yeah, she's still around. I should send her to town, but I've been expanding the herd and decided to keep her. Besides, anybody can have a bad year or two."

Jack: "And I notice that your bulls are still in with the cows. What kind of calving season do you have?"

Clem: "I calve in 12 seasons of the year. That way, I have calves to sell on about every market."

Jack: "Wouldn't it be more efficient to tighten up on calving?

Clem: "Maybe, but the bulls seem better satisfied this way."

Jack: "Well, Clem, you have to admit that beef demand is strong right now and we're all making money. How much of this is due to the beef checkoff, do you think?"

Clem: "About as much as the weather in Latvia. If those guys who run the checkoff were really in tune with cattlemen, they'd come up with a better slogan.

Jack: "Like what?"

Clem: "Something like 'Beef, it's what we want you to have for dinner, so we won't have to go to the bank for another loan.'"

Jack: "See you later, Clem."

Clem: "If I'm still around."