The Decision to Retain at Weaning During the Fall Calf Run

While incentives to retain calves to add weight appear to be present this year in some locations, producers must calculate their value and cost of gain to determine if it is a correct decision, said University of Nebraska Livestock Extension Economist Elliott Dennis, in a letter to Extension agents. The letter went out from the … Read More

Oklahoma Forage Supplies Near Static In Coming Months

Not much will change regarding Oklahoma forage supplies in the next 6-7 months, said Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, in a letter to Extension Agents called Cow-Calf Corner. The one exception is the potential for wheat pasture and other cool-season forages in the southern plains, which will need additional moisture through … Read More

October Ag Barometer Shows Farmer Sentiment Decline

The October Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer recorded a drop in producer sentiment, down three points to a reading of 121, said a release by Purdue Agricultural Economist James Mintert. The modest drop was part of a three-month slide primarily the result of producers’ weakened perceptions for current and future conditions.  The Index of … Read More

Kansas September Feedlot Sales Decline

Kansas feedlot sales of slaughter-ready cattle in September declined seasonally, with the average less than last September and above the 2015-2019 average, according to data collected by the Kansas State University Extension service and compiled and published by the Livestock Marketing Information center in Denver. The K-State Extension service surveys select feedlots around the state, … Read More

Managed Money Takes Smaller Net Long Cattle Position

After three weeks of gains, managed money, a proxy for large commodity index funds, had a smaller collective net long position in live cattle futures Tuesday, as hedgers trimmed their total net short position. The data came from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday for business as of Tuesday.   … Read More

Pasture Ratings Variable By Region

The USDA’s National Agriculture Statistical Service’s weekly reading of range and pasture conditions is one week away from its normal US seasonal conclusion, with pasture ratings quite variable by region, said the Livestock Marketing Information Center’s Livestock Monitor, a letter to Extension staff. At the national level, 25% of pastures were rated good or excellent … Read More

Per-Capita Meat Consumption Seen Struggling

After dipping a little this year, total per-capita US red meat and poultry consumption was expected to make a small gain next year but fall away in 2023, according to data from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and the Economic Research Service, which were compiled by the Livestock Marketing Information Service in Denver. Over … Read More