It seems Kansas feedlots are trying to market heavyweight cattle. Data collected and assimilated by Kansas State University agricultural economists indicates statewide feedlot sales to packer buyers in November were the highest in years, while the final weights of steers declined slightly from October’s high. K-State Extension surveys sample feedlots around Kansas monthly and extrapolates … Read More

Some market analysts are advising clients to hedge first- and second-quarter fed cattle marketings as they see current prices near a top. Wholesale beef and fed cattle prices each made contra-seasonal moves higher in December amid supply fears as total cattle slaughter dropped and slaughter weights declined.  Early December jitters about market retaliation from Mexico … Read More

Large commodity funds made a modest addition to its net long live cattle position during the week ended Tuesday last week, bringing them to their largest net long position in four months. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments of Traders report Monday said managed money, a term for the large funds, had a net … Read More

Estimated returns for commercial cow/calf producers are expected to drop again in 2016, removing some incentive to continue expanding the cow herd. Demand for feeder cattle is declining as feedlots continue to bleed red ink, and the herd is growing, making more calves available for purchase.  However, estimated cow/calf returns still are above all previous … Read More

The extreme losses cattle feeders suffered in 2015 likely will continue well into 2016 before they begin to get better in the spring, an extension livestock economist said. “It’s very bearish,” said Kansas State University Extension Livestock Economist Glynn Tonsor of his outlook for cattle feeders in 2016.  Closeouts through July are particularly negative. In … Read More

The USDA’s choice cutout value appears to be aiming to resume longer-term average levels as supplies increase and the year-end holidays are winding down. While prices of individual beef cuts fluctuate seasonally, the USDA’s overall choice cutout value tends to remain in a narrow range.  At least it did in the 2009-2013 period when fresh … Read More

Managed money trimmed its net long position in live cattle futures during the week ended Tuesday, despite the beginnings of a steep rally last week. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments–Of-Traders report Monday for the week ended Dec. 22 showed managed money, a term for large speculative firms, trimmed its net long position by … Read More