Historically, the spread between wholesale choice and select beef prices should be nearing a seasonal high, although suitable grilling weather could flatten the top. The wholesale price spread between choice and select graded beef was catapulted higher last week by renewed demand for the more-expensive choice product. An influx of warmer, drier conditions for many … Read More
Beef, Pork Demand Indicies Trending Higher
Beef and pork demand appear to be trending higher since demand indices of both continued to rise through last year from 2010 lows. The beef demand index is calculated by the Livestock Marketing Information Center using Bureau of Labor Statistics and USDA Economic Research Service data. With the 1990 Consumer Price Index equaling 100 on … Read More
Funds Cut Live Cattle Positions
Large commodity funds reduced their net long live cattle futures position for the third straight week during the week ended Tuesday as cash-connected traders continue to hold their net short positions relatively stable. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission Friday reported that for the week ended Tuesday, managed money, a term for those large commodity funds, … Read More
Beef Export Needs Rising
US beef exports are becoming increasingly important as the herd and beef production grows, and while projections show cross-border shipments keeping pace, the market is vulnerable. Annual beef export volume, at 2.540 billion pounds, accounted for 9.8% of total production for the five-year period from 2010-2014, according to data from the USDA’s Economic Research Service … Read More
Projected Cow Calf Returns to Decline
A rapid drop in cow/calf returns in 2016 and 2017 is cause for producers to think about or even ratchet back their beef cow expansion plans, says the Livestock Marketing Information Center’s Livestock Monitor. LMIC’s estimated return peaked in 2014, surging to $530.22 per cow. In 2015, the return was $303.08 a cow. This was … Read More
US Meat Production Seen Up In 2017
Forecast beef, pork and poultry production totals for 2016 are down from last month, while 2017 projections are above 2016 and continue the year-over-year trend. The USDA’s World Agriculture Outlook Board made the predictions Tuesday in its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. Red meat and poultry exports were expected to increase in … Read More
US Pastures Improve; Herds To Keep Growing
US cow/calf producers are likely to continue expanding their herds, even though returns are beginning to decline because grass availability and condition continue to improve. US pastures and ranges are in better condition this year than they were last year and are in far better condition than the 2010-2014 average, according to the USDA’s weekly … Read More