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

As with any transition season (spring and fall) there are many weather unknowns, said Christopher Redmond, assistant meteorologist at Kansas State University, in a K-State Extension release. El Nino remains the most dominant seasonal driver along with tropical influences for the short term, Redmond said.  With on-going drought expansion, despite some moisture in coming weeks, … Read More

Farmer sentiment was notably lower in August, as the monthly Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index dipped eight points to a reading of 115, said Purdue University Agricultural Economist James Mintert in a release. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from Aug. 14-18. This month’s decline was fueled by producers’ weaker perception … Read More

After a one-week hiatus, managed money, a proxy for large commodity index funds, resumed buying live cattle futures during the week ended last Tuesday, Aug. 29, as cattle owners boosted their total net short position. The data came from Friday’s weekly Commitments of Traders report from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.   MANAGED MONEY BUYS … Read More