Before the USDA can release its Cattle on Feed data for Jan. 1, CanFax, a private market advisory group, released its data for Feb. 1 showing more cattle populating the feedlots of Alberta and Saskatchewan than last year or the 2013-2017 average. The number of cattle on feed in Canada, however, declined seasonally and appear … Read More

Barrow and gilt prices are lagging last year and the 2013-2017 average, and there are many reasons to think they will remain challenged for the rest of the year.  But a market analyst said they are likely to resemble the average seasonal directions by the end of the year. There is an adage among traders … Read More

Managed money, the term for large commodity investment funds, lifted their collective net long live cattle futures position during the week ended Tuesday, Jan. 28, according to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The CFTC data came in the form of its Commitments of Traders report for that week, which was delayed by the … Read More

Cull cow prices are rising seasonally but remain below last year and the 2013-2017 average and are likely to follow seasonal patterns more closely in 2019, said Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Derrell Peel, in a newsletter to Extension agents. Peel projected cow slaughter would decline about 1.5% this year, moderating cow beef … Read More

Large commodity investment funds, or managed money, increased their net long live cattle futures position for the 10th straight week during the week ended Tuesday, Jan. 22, said the Commitments of Traders report Friday. Data show the new position was the largest net long position by managed money since Feb. 27, 2018, when it was … Read More

Cash fed cattle prices in the Plains are reaching a decision point.  Either they peak within the week or they reach an annual top sometime in late March or late April. The data show beef prices have a strong spring seasonal higher, but cattle prices may fade. There has been some debate among cattle traders … Read More

As the Commodity Futures Trading Commission continues to catch up with delayed Commitments of Traders reports, the latest data show large commodity investment funds, or managed money, again adding to their collective net long live cattle position during the week ended Jan. 15. Managed money’s new cattle position was 98,061 contracts, up 3,665, or 3.88%, … Read More