Livestock Markets
Unpack two key factors likely resulting in record cattle prices and impacts to the industry.
Scott Brown, a professor at the University of Missouri, shares what he’s seeing in the beef, pork and dairy sectors
Grain markets were meaningfully higher in the early morning trade but gave some gains back into the afternoon. Livestock markets continued their rally in Tuesday’s trade.
How Much Lower Will Prices Fall?
Rain Chances in Eastern Corn Belt Bearish
Funds Also Pressure Grains on Favorable Weather
North Trades Record $200 Cash Cattle
Cattle Higher Despite Lack of Cash Trade
Funds Continue to Sell Without a Weather Threat
Soybeans and Wheat Rally, Corn Ends Off Three Year Lows
Here are the key market headwinds ahead for the cattle industry.
Closeouts on cattle and hogs marketed last week remain modestly profitable for the sixth consecutive week, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing.
On a percentage basis, beef packer margins declined significantly last week. It’s all relative, of course, since the starting point from the previous week was stunning.
Cash fed cattle prices ended last week $10 per cwt. lower than last year while the beef cutout closed $16 higher than the same week a year ago. The result? Packer margins $314 per head more than last year.
Beef packer leverage is evident with cash cattle prices $7 per cwt. lower than the same week a year ago and beef cutout prices $23 per cwt. higher. Pork producers are gaining leverage with a $5 per cwt. price rally.
What impact will the Proposition 12 decision have on the livestock industry and specifically the U.S. hog market?
The cattle market has taken a break from the highs, but it may be too early to get bearish. What Does USDA’s April 1 Cattle on Feed Report tell us about supplies and prices moving forward?
The cattle market has moved into uncharted territory. It came as a result of one of the worst droughts in history but how long will the bull market last?
Grains are firmer ahead of the report. Soybeans and meal are the strongest on SA weather. Cattle seeing more profit taking, while hogs are lower. Michelle Rook has an update.
USDA has announced the details of the Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program to help cattle producers get better information about the cattle market.
Grains mixed after WASDE. The only change USDA made to U.S. ending stocks was in corn by lowering exports. Brian Splitt of AgMarket.Net has analysis.
The Senate Ag Committee is scheduled to vote on the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act this week.
Lean hog futures finished slightly higher Tuesday. The strengthening U.S. dollar may be a factor, but there are also other fundamentals playing into the market.
Despite a disappointing end to 2020, a positive story is unfolding for the cattle markets in 2021. Sue Martin and DuWayne Bosse explain why the last half of 2021 could produce better prices.