Large commodity index funds, known as managed money, had their largest collective net long position in at least three years Tuesday as hedgers also advanced their total net short position. The data came from the weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission with data as of the previous Tuesday.   … Read More

While a ban on cattle from Mexico because of the discovery of New World Screwworm in Mexico’s state of Chiappas is set to be lifted partially next week, a full resumption of trade remains pending.  But the ban created a dent in available US feeder cattle supplies that still has to be worked out. The … Read More

Economic activity increased slightly to moderately across the 12 Federal Reserve districts in late November and December, said the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book Wednesday, which outlines the US economy eight times a year.   CONSUMER SPENDING UP   Consumer spending moved up moderately, with most districts reporting strong holiday sales that exceeded expectations, the Beige … Read More

If the genetics are present to finish steers and heifers to a higher quality grade, it is paying them to produce more cattle that yield choice and prime carcasses, and they are doing so, according to data from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and compiled by the Livestock Marketing Information Center in Denver. Last year, … Read More

November exports of US red meat posted year-over-year gains across all categories, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. US pork exports remained on a record pace, while beef and lamb shipments increased substantially from November 2023, the USMEF said in a release.   PORK EXPORTS ON … Read More

The USDA’s new estimate of 2024 red meat and poultry production was lowered from last month because of lower fourth-quarter beef, pork, broiler and turkey production, according to Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand report. Changes in the estimates reflect November production data and preliminary estimates of slaughter numbers and weights for December.   … Read More