Wholesale boxed beef prices are about to turn lower for a few weeks before turning higher into the high point of the year, if they follow seasonal norms. Data from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service shows a seasonal top the second week of March before dipping to the seasonal low the second week of April.  … Read More

January exports of US beef and veal were significantly higher than the large totals of a year ago while pork exports were steady in volume and increased in value, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. Beef exports totaled 105,486 tonnes in January, up 9% from a … Read More

Large commodity investment funds, called managed money, lowered their collective net long live cattle futures position for the second straight week as of Tuesday as producer types cut their net short position. The data came in the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday for the week ended Tuesday.  In the report, … Read More

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

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

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

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