Managed Money Pares Net Long Live Cattle Position

During the week ended Tuesday, large commodity index firms, known as managed money, sold down their collective net long live cattle futures position as cash cattle traders covered many of their total net short positions. That was according to data published by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in its weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday. … Read More

Consumers May Be Pushing Back Against Rising Beef Prices

Things aren’t looking too bullish for fed cattle and choice beef prices currently. And, even if the latest downturn in beef prices is a late seasonal move, the dip below last year’s prices is somewhat concerning, said a market analyst.   BOXED BEEF LEADING   The USDA’s listed boxed choice beef cutout values last week … Read More

Beige Book Touts Small Rise In Economic Activity

Economic activity increased at a slight to moderate pace in 11 of 12 Federal Reserve districts in late May and June, while one district reported no change, according to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book of economic activity. The Beige Book is released eight times a year and discusses US economic activity and changes from the … Read More

May Pork Exports Up From 2025; Beef Value Up

Although May exports of US pork were higher year-over-year, volumes were significantly diminished by Mexico’s restrictions on pork offal items, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. May beef exports were less than last year’s volume but edged higher in value.   PORK EXPORTS UP   May … Read More

Managed Money Liquidates Live Cattle Positions

During the week ended last Tuesday, July 7, large commodity index funds, known as managed money, liquidated some of their collective net long live cattle futures positions. In publishing those details in Friday’s weekly Commitments of Traders report, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission also showed data that said cash cattle traders, known as commercial traders, … Read More

WASDE: US Red Meat, Poultry Production Estimate Raised

The USDA’s US red meat and poultry production forecast for 2026 was raised from the June report, as higher poultry production more than offset lower red meat production estimates, the USDA said in its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report Friday.   2026 BEEF PRODUCTION OUTLOOK LOWERED   The 2026 beef production estimate … Read More

Irrigated Farmland Commands Premium Price

Irrigated farmland commands a premium relative to non-irrigated farmland because of capitalized infrastructure, access rights to groundwater and superior yield potential. In the 10th Federal Reserve district of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, western Missouri and northern New Mexico, that premium has been increasing over time and rising faster during droughts, said Ayesha Cooray, Kansas … Read More