The cattle on feed inventory on Jan. 1 (14.71 million head) is a record 57.3% of the feeder cattle supply. This means there are less than two head of feeder cattle available outside feedlots for every animal on feed.

Cattle producers Hugh Sanburg, Norman Voyles, Jr. and Jimmy Taylor are the new leaders of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion & Research Board, responsible for guiding the national Beef Checkoff throughout 2021.

USDA’s first look at net farm income shows without continued ad hoc government payments, net farm income will drop this year.

While cattle traded higher for the second consecutive week, and the highest since last May, the action was frustrating for feeders who see fundamentals that suggest much higher prices.

Cash-traded feeder pig reported volume was below average this past week, with 4,800 head reported. Cash feeder pig reported prices were $97.36, down $2.81 per head from last week.

Regulatory activity may be the single greatest threat to U.S. food production as it impacts the entire supply chain from the producer to the consumer. It appears U.S. regulatory activity is increasing.