When cattle producers begin rebuilding their herds, the main factor limiting the process could be a dearth of available heifers, said Derrell Peel, Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist at Oklahoma State University, in a University release.   DECLINING INVENTORIES   The July Cattle (Inventory) report showed herds continuing to decrease, he said.  The total inventory of … Read More

Agricultural producer sentiment improved slightly in July as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose two points to a reading of 123, said Purdue Agricultural Economist James Mintert, in a University release. Farmers also were more optimistic about their perception of current conditions and future expectations on their farms, Mintert said. The Ag … Read More

Writing for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Market Analyst Patrick Linnell of CattleFax wrote, Cattle and beef markets continue the march higher, yet question regarding the economy and recessionary fears remain unanswered, including their effect on the consumer as it pertains to beef demand. Nonetheless, as cyclically tighter cattle and beef supplies continue, smaller supplies … Read More

Grain markets have been volatile this year with changing acreage and crop weather prospects affecting domestic crop supply prospects, and Black Sea geopolitical conflicts dominating international grain markets, said Kansas State University Agricultural Economist Dan O’Brien, in an outlook study.   CORN MARKETS   The July 12 USDA WASDE report framed the market’s perception that … Read More

Large commodity index funds, better known as managed money, cut their collective net long live cattle position in the week ended Tuesday as cattle owners cut their total net short position. The data came from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in its weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday.   MANAGED MONEY CUTS CATTLE POSITION   … Read More

Weekly US beef production is drifting lower in relation to last year and the 2017-21 average, and with a declining herd size, it looks to remain subdued. Last week, beef production was reported by the USDA at 509.2 million pounds, down 2.4 million, or 0.47%, from 511.6 million a week earlier, down 27.9 million, or … Read More

Total red meat supplies in freezers on June 30 were down about 6% from the previous month and down about 14% from last year, the USDA said in its latest Cold Storage report. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down about 3% from the previous month and down about 20% from last year. Frozen … Read More