1-17-22 – Large commodity index funds, called managed money, took on a collectively longer net long live cattle futures position in the week ended last Tuesday, Jan. 10.  During the same week, cattle owners, or commercial traders, took on a larger net short position. The data came from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments … Read More

The USDA, in its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report Thursday lowered its red meat and poultry production estimate for 2022 from last month as higher fourth-quarter broiler and turkey production was more than offset by lower beef and pork production. Changes reflect November production data and preliminary estimates of slaughter numbers and … Read More

Average cattle finishing losses in 2022 were estimated to be about $70 per head, and current breakeven and fed cattle price projections suggest the cattle finishing sector will experience net losses in the first half of 2023, wrote Purdue University Agricultural Economist Michael Langemeier, in a report called Farmdoc Daily.   FEEDING COST OF GAIN … Read More

Aggressive selection of production traits in cows can yield noticeable environmental, herd quality and health returns over time. Paul Beck, Oklahoma State University State Extension beef nutrition specialist, wrote in a letter to Extension Agents called Cow-Calf Corner recent research showed cows that are better able to maintain body condition and produce more milk energy … Read More

November exports of US pork were the largest of 2022 in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. November beef exports were less than the large year-ago totals, but 2022 export value through November already had set a full-year record of nearly $11 billion, … Read More

Large commodity index funds increased their collective net long live cattle futures position during the week ended Tuesday as cattle owners boosted their total net short position, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission said Friday in its weekly Commitments of Traders report.   FUNDS BUY MORE CATTLE   Those large index funds, known as managed money, … Read More

1-6-22 – Ready or not, calving season is coming.  To help cow/calf producers plan ahead, the Beef Cattle Research Council of Alberta, Canada, Thursday listed four areas of planning to ensure a safe, successful calving season.   PREVENT DISEASE   –Avoid comingling new cattle with pregnant cows and quarantine animals coming back to the main … Read More