Feeder cattle markets have reminded everyone just how quickly things can change, bringing into focus the importance of risk management. In early October, futures were flirting with record highs, said a Kansas State University Extension release.  Two weeks later, prices dropped nearly $40 per cwt — about $350 to $400 per head for a 900-pound … Read More

Calf and feeder cattle values have softened in recent weeks after impressive growth through most of this year, said the Livestock Marketing Information Center in a letter called In The Cattle Markets. Many of the peaks followed headlines flush with announcements and news coming out of Washington D.C., the LMIC said.  Still, there are regional … Read More

Cattle futures and cash markets have been pummeled by a barrage of politics as bearish market reactions piled up under a slew of political statements and proposals, that left traders and producers running for the sidelines. Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, Derrell Peel, it a letter called Cow-Calf Corner, also said, “It’s important … Read More

Policy changes and a headline-generating president dominated live and feeder cattle futures this year, but the bloom now seems to be off the rose, at least for now. Weekly USDA-reported cash fed cattle prices are near the tops of the year and seem resilient, but nearby futures prices far outstripped what packer buyers were willing … Read More

As winter looms, Paul Beck Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Nutrition Specialist, stressed diligent cow herd management in a letter called Cow-Calf Corner. Flexible supplementation programs that target environmental stress periods can help reduce winter feed costs without compromising cow performance, Beck said.  However, maintaining adequate body condition through late gestation is essential to … Read More

Last week’s announcement by the White House that President Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping, had a breakthrough trade agreement in which China would boost imports of US commodities may not have been all it’s cracked up to be. The White House said China would buy 12 million tonnes of US soybeans by the end … Read More

After a couple of wild weeks in cattle markets, maybe it’s time to take a step back to review the bigger picture, said Will Secor, Extension livestock economist at the University of Georgia, in a Livestock Marketing Information Center letter called In The Cattle Markets.   SUPPLIES TIGHT   The supply side remains tight with … Read More