Things aren’t looking too bullish for fed cattle and choice beef prices currently. And, even if the latest downturn in beef prices is a late seasonal move, the dip below last year’s prices is somewhat concerning, said a market analyst.   BOXED BEEF LEADING   The USDA’s listed boxed choice beef cutout values last week … Read More

Economic activity increased at a slight to moderate pace in 11 of 12 Federal Reserve districts in late May and June, while one district reported no change, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book of economic activity. The Beige Book is released eight times a year and discusses US economic activity and changes from the … Read More

Although May exports of US pork were higher year-over-year, volumes were significantly diminished by Mexico’s restrictions on pork offal items, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. May beef exports were less than last year’s volume but edged higher in value.   PORK EXPORTS UP   May … Read More

During the week ended last Tuesday, July 7, large commodity index funds, known as managed money, liquidated some of their collective net long live cattle futures positions. In publishing those details in Friday’s weekly Commitments of Traders report, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission also showed data that said cash cattle traders, known as commercial traders, … Read More

The USDA’s US red meat and poultry production forecast for 2026 was raised from the June report, as higher poultry production more than offset lower red meat production estimates, the USDA said in its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report Friday.   2026 BEEF PRODUCTION OUTLOOK LOWERED   The 2026 beef production estimate … Read More

Irrigated farmland commands a premium relative to non-irrigated farmland because of capitalized infrastructure, access rights to groundwater and superior yield potential. In the 10th Federal Reserve district of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, western Missouri and northern New Mexico, that premium has been increasing over time and rising faster during droughts, said Ayesha Cooray, Kansas … Read More

Despite continued weakness in the crop sector, farm financial conditions have tightened only gradually, and stress remains limited, said Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Economist Ty Kreitman, in a Bank bulletin. Loan delinquency rates remain low, average farmland values stable, and leverage is modest, Kreitman said.  Direct government payments limited losses for crop operations and … Read More