The live cattle futures contract currently is in a downward trend channel and appears to be headed lower.  The nearby Feb contract could even test support at the contract low of $123.05 per cwt that was set Dec. 17. The contract violated the downward sloping channel support once on Jan. 15 by closing down the … Read More

Despite average fed cattle prices being up $1 per cwt last week, unhedged cattle feeder losses increased marginally last week, according to the Sterling Marketing Beef Profit Tracker, which is released through AgWeb. The estimates show average fed cattle losses totaled $387.70 a head, using the USDA’s five-area direct live-basis price of $133.49.  This is … Read More

Large commodity funds boosted their net long live cattle position in the week ended Tuesday, Jan. 12, to its highest level since the week ended July 28, even though futures peaked and turned lower. As of a week ago, managed money, or the funds, had a net long position of 23,059 contracts, up 3,270, or … Read More

Even though beef cutout values seemed to rise in December, a look back at values in previous months tells a different story and shows why packer buyers were reluctant cattle buyers. A Livestock Marketing Information Center graph clearly shows the decline.  All quality grades showed a clear decline from August through December, although branded and choice … Read More

As a growing number of consumers shy away from products containing ingredients they can’t pronounce and increasingly opt for products that are grown or produced locally, branded beef products play well. Those consumers want to know where their meat comes from, and the best way to handle that demand is for more producers within the … Read More

The USDA Tuesday trimmed its estimate of 2015 total meat production from its November estimate as lower pork, broiler and turkey production more than offset an increase in beef production estimates. In its monthly World Supply and Demand Estimates report, the 2015 meat production forecast was reduced to 48.420 billion pounds from 48.424 billion in … Read More

US meat markets dealt with rising supplies last year, and calculations show that a large part of fourth-quarter price pressure was the result of these large supplies. Official fourth-quarter 2015 numbers aren’t in yet, but calculations by the Livestock Marketing Information Center show the supply facing the US market is likely to be up about … Read More