Mexico’s 2024 beef and pork production were forecast by the USDA to increase from 2023 because of stronger producer returns from lower feed prices, as well as increased domestic and international demand. The USDA’s Global Agricultural Information Network made the predictions, adding that beef imports were forecast to remain flat because of sufficient stocks, while … Read More

Sales of slaughter-ready steers from Kansas feedlots in June rose seasonally and as of June 30 were very near the 2017-2021 average and last year. Data comes from a monthly Kansas State University Extension Service survey of select feedlots around the state.  The information on monthly feedlot activities is given to the Livestock Marketing Information … Read More

Large commodity investment firms, known as managed money, trimmed their collective net long live cattle futures position during the week ended Tuesday as cattle owners cut their total net short position. The data came from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments of Traders report Friday.   FUNDS CUT NET LONG POSITION   As of … Read More

When cattle producers begin rebuilding their herds, the main factor limiting the process could be a dearth of available heifers, said Derrell Peel, Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist at Oklahoma State University, in a University release.   DECLINING INVENTORIES   The July Cattle (Inventory) report showed herds continuing to decrease, he said.  The total inventory of … Read More

Agricultural producer sentiment improved slightly in July as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index rose two points to a reading of 123, said Purdue Agricultural Economist James Mintert, in a University release. Farmers also were more optimistic about their perception of current conditions and future expectations on their farms, Mintert said. The Ag … Read More

Writing for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Market Analyst Patrick Linnell of CattleFax wrote, Cattle and beef markets continue the march higher, yet question regarding the economy and recessionary fears remain unanswered, including their effect on the consumer as it pertains to beef demand. Nonetheless, as cyclically tighter cattle and beef supplies continue, smaller supplies … Read More

Grain markets have been volatile this year with changing acreage and crop weather prospects affecting domestic crop supply prospects, and Black Sea geopolitical conflicts dominating international grain markets, said Kansas State University Agricultural Economist Dan O’Brien, in an outlook study.   CORN MARKETS   The July 12 USDA WASDE report framed the market’s perception that … Read More