The reasons for wholesale USDA choice and select beef prices to invert last week are elusive, but the move could indicate a shift in consumer choices at the retail meat case, a market analyst said. A CBS News story Monday said beef is getting harder for Americans to afford.  Retail prices have skyrocketed in the … Read More

A constant question agricultural economists have fielded over the last few months concerns beef demand.  Specifically, if retail prices have hurt demand. Economists will say that actual “demand” is difficult to measure, especially in the short run.  Demand may remain constant, but the ability to pay may fluctuate.  And, consumption is not a true measure … Read More

Large commodity index funds, or managed money, advanced their collective net long live cattle position to its largest point in nearly 10 months Tuesday, according to the weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Cash cattle traders, meanwhile, extended their total net short position to their largest position in more … Read More

In its monthly World Supply and Demand Estimates report Thursday, the USDA said its 2026 total red meat and poultry production estimate was lowered. The production estimate for both was lowered on projections for reduced slaughter.   BEEF PRODUCTION ESTIMATE TRIMMED   The beef production forecast was reduced as lower steer and heifer slaughter in … Read More

February exports of US pork were slightly higher year-over-year, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. While beef exports trended lower, in large part because of continued lack of access to China, shipments of beef variety meat posted another strong increase.   PER-HEAD PORK EXPORT VALUE ROBUST … Read More

Farmer sentiment improved in March as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose from 116 points in February to 127, according to a Purdue University release. The March barometer survey was conducted among 400 farmers across the nation from March 16-20.   CURRENT CONDITIONS INDES UP   The Current Conditions Index increased by … Read More

Am Artificial Intelligence US summer forecast “suggests trend toward warmer-than-average conditions, particularly across the West, with some potential for cooler-than-normal weather in the north and east.” That is a bit scarry for those looking for a large boost in heifer retentions and cattle herd rebuilding this year, for a significant portion of US grazing land … Read More