The USDA finally released August red meat export data that was delayed by the government shutdown.  Compiled by the US Meat Export Federation, August data showed a relatively strong performance for US pork exports. However, beef exports were sharply lower than a year ago, hit by an impasse with China that has effectively locked US … Read More

During the week ended Tuesday, Sep. 23, managed money, a proxy for large commodity index funds, reduced their collective net long live cattle futures position while cattle hedgers increased their total net short position. The data came from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Wednesday as they began catching up with weekly reports on the holdings … Read More

In spite of market volatility, the strong market fundamentals and current status of the US beef industry remain unchanged, and can be distilled into a few short bullet points: The lowest beef cow inventory since the early 1960s. The lowest number of feeder calves in the production chain since the 1950s. Strongest consumer beef demand … Read More

Live Cattle futures prices are influenced by physical market report releases, geopolitical risk and shifts in supply and demand, said the CME Group in a release about weekly options. Unpredictable changes in any of those factors can affect positions, the CME Group said.  Live cattle weekly options provide the opportunity for market participants to express … Read More

The USDA’s latest forecast for 2025 red meat and poultry production was lowered from the previous September report with lower beef, pork and turkey production forecasts partially offset by higher broiler production.   BEEF PRODUCTION ESTIMATE LOWERED   In its November World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report Friday, the USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board … Read More

Feeder cattle markets have reminded everyone just how quickly things can change, bringing into focus the importance of risk management. In early October, futures were flirting with record highs, said a Kansas State University Extension release.  Two weeks later, prices dropped nearly $40 per cwt — about $350 to $400 per head for a 900-pound … Read More

Calf and feeder cattle values have softened in recent weeks after impressive growth through most of this year, said the Livestock Marketing Information Center in a letter called In The Cattle Markets. Many of the peaks followed headlines flush with announcements and news coming out of Washington D.C., the LMIC said.  Still, there are regional … Read More