Managed money, a moniker for large commodity investment funds, bought more live cattle futures during the week ended Tuesday to extend their collective net long position as hedgers increased their total net short position. The data came from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday.   FUNDS EXTEND LONG POSITION   … Read More

Contacts from most Federal Reserve districts indicated in the Bank’s Beige Book that economic growth was modest during July and August. The Beige Book is a Federal Reserve System publication about current economic conditions across the 12 Federal Reserve districts.  It characterizes regional economic conditions and prospects based on a variety of mostly qualitative information, … Read More

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Monday forecast Australian beef supply to recover in 2024 to the point of reaching the sixth highest production on record. A report from the FAS’ office in Canberra, Aus., said the 2024 forecast came after a significant turning point in 2023, where production was estimated to grow by 16% from … Read More

In its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report Tuesday, the USDA lowered its forecast for 2023 red meat and poultry production from last month on lower production forecasts for all meats. For 2024, the red meat and poultry production forecast was reduced on lower broiler production forecasts as weaker prices were expected to … Read More

Building on a robust first-half performance, July exports of US pork and pork variety meats continued to outpace year-ago levels, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. A USMEF release said beef and beef variety meat exports took a step back in July, posting the lowest volume … Read More

Large commodity index funds, called managed money, barely nudged their collective net long live cattle futures position higher during the week ended Tuesday as owners cut their total net short position. The data came from the weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.   FUNDS BARELY MOVE POSITION   Managed … Read More

Calves that are preconditioned at weaning are healthier and more resilient to the rigors of shipping and commingling prior to introduction in subsequent production programs, said Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialists Derrell Peel and Kellie Raper in a letter called Cow-Calf Corner. Preconditioning can add significant value to calves but requires planning and … Read More