All packers were active players in all regions in the days leading up to the Christmas weekend and prices rallied $2 per cwt. accordingly. Feeders reported good clean-up throughout the region.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the Meat Institute’s challenge to California’s 2018 ballot initiative that imposes new standards for animal housing.

Negotiated cash fed cattle traded $2 higher in the South during the holiday-shortened week. Futures markets appear supportive and asking prices will be higher in the days before New Year’s.

While packing plant closure and slow-downs disrupted the beef industry in 2020, demand will become more critical heading into 2021 including consumption at-home, away-from-home, and for export.

Top Dollar Angus Inc. has announced Nathan Smith as its new general manager. Originally from Pratt, KS, Smith now resides in Colorado and maintains a small cow-calf herd.

The Meat Institute has joined with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union in asking governors from all 50 states to prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations for frontline meat and poultry workers.