The USDA’s 2018 forecast for total red meat and poultry production was moved fractionally lower than last month’s estimate, as projected lower beef production more than offset higher pork and turkey production. The estimates were made in the USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report Thursday where estimated cattle and hog prices for … Read More
Price Challenges Loom Over Cattle Markets
The cattle market is fraught with risk, posing challenges to producers as well as opportunities for profit, but challenges seem to overshadow opportunities in the current market. Agricultural Extension Economist Andrew Griffith of the University of Tennessee writes in the latest “Tennessee Market Highlights” that another challenging time is approaching as it relates to markets … Read More
Spring Cattle High Approaching
The spring high in fed cattle prices likely isn’t in yet, although it could be close – or not, depending on beef demand, and the frost on that window is thick. Recent stability in wholesale beef prices and a large number of cattle on feed have some wondering whether the spring fed cattle high is … Read More
December Kansas Feedlot Marketings Jump
Kansas feedlot sales to packers, or closeouts, in December moved higher as expected, continuing the general trend of following the 2016 monthly pace. The Kansas State Extension Service polls select feedlots around the state each month for data concerning the prior month’s activities, and the Livestock Marketing Information Center extrapolates and graphs the data to … Read More
Funds Tinker With Cattle Position
Managed money, or large commodity investment firms, pared their net long live cattle position during the week ended Tuesday, said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in its weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday. Managed money’s new net long live cattle position totaled 102,549 contracts Tuesday, down 729, or 0.71%, from 103,278 the previous Tuesday. This … Read More
Cattle Feeding Margins Dip; Still Very Positive
Average cattle feeding margins for fed cattle sold to packers last week were a positive $173.81 a head, down $32.34, or 15.7%, from $206.15 a week earlier, according to the Sterling Profit Tracker and published in Drovers. The new average profit level for unhedged feedlots last week also was down $77.51 a head, or 30.8%, … Read More
Butcher Hogs Prices Below 2017
US butcher hog prices are below last year and appear to be ready to follow 2017 trends, albeit at a lower price level. US butcher hog prices are struggling along with the pork cutout as year-to-date pork production advances, and they may have trouble holding last year’s and 2012-2016 average levels, according to USDA Market … Read More