Weekly Futures Options; A New Hedging Option

Live Cattle futures prices are influenced by physical market report releases, geopolitical risk and shifts in supply and demand, said the CME Group in a release about weekly options. Unpredictable changes in any of those factors can affect positions, the CME Group said.  Live cattle weekly options provide the opportunity for market participants to express … Read More

USDA Trims 2025 Red Meat, Poultry Production Estimates

The USDA’s latest forecast for 2025 red meat and poultry production was lowered from the previous September report with lower beef, pork and turkey production forecasts partially offset by higher broiler production.   BEEF PRODUCTION ESTIMATE LOWERED   In its November World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report Friday, the USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board … Read More

Feeder Cattle Producers Need Price Protection

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

Feeder Cattle Prices Taking Breather

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 Markets Pummeled By Politics

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

Cattle Futures Market Top May Be Short-Lived

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

Winter Cow Nutrition Diligence Urged

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