Latest News From Greg Henderson

The first steps to repealing America’s country of origin labeling (COOL) laws were taken Wednesday as the House Agriculture Committee voted 38-6 in favor of a bill that would eliminate labeling requirements for beef, pork and chicken.

Dramatically improving margins helped beef packers take command last week while cattle feeders saw closeouts fall further in the red.

The U.S. has lost its final appeal with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over country of origin labeling (COOL) laws for meat products. Monday’s ruling, the fourth with the same decision from the WTO, opens the gate for Canada and Mexico to initiate trade sanctions against the U.S.

Cattle markets held steady to stronger as the seasonal bump in demand from Memorial Day, Father’s Day and 4th of July lies ahead.

Cattle feeders added a little powder and lipstick to closeouts this week, but the ugly continues to shine through.

Cattle feeding margins were unchanged from the previous week, which means the train wreck continues. Despite modest gains in the cash market, cattle feeders lost an average of $206 per head, just $1 better than the previous week.

Cattle feeding margins took another tumble last week after a $1 per cwt. decline in fed cattle prices.

Cattle market fundamentals may remain favorable, but April’s expected rally has fizzled. Both feeder and fed cattle traded significantly lower this week, with cash fed cattle prices now $9 lower than just three weeks ago.

Buyers seek calves that are weaned and processed, and they avoid cattle deemed “high risk”

Veterinarians seek ways to reduce the incidence of the disease claiming 16% of calves on the ranch

Real-world data helps confirm how cattlemen can earn top grid premiums

Cattle traders were mildly surprised by USDA’s April cattle on feed report as both placements and the total on feed numbers came in higher than expected.

Cattle feeding margins took another turn south last week after a nearly $4 per cwt. decline in fed cattle prices.

Beef cutout prices trended about $2.80 per cwt. higher to $256.37, and packer margins improved more than $26 per head, resulting in losses of $15 on every animal processed.

The spring cattle rally stalled this week as cowboys and packers search for signs supporting ideas the market will conform to seasonal trends.

The pain eased somewhat for cattle feeders last week, but losses remain more than $97 per head.

The financial pain of feeding cattle eased again last week, but losses remain more than $125 per head.

The spring cattle market rally was beginning to bloom this week, with yearling feeder cattle trading firm to $5 higher and instances of $6 to $8 higher.

The pain eased somewhat for cattle feeders last week, but losses remain more than $170 per head.

Last month, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) issued its every-five-year attempt at encouraging Americans to eat a healthful diet. While it’s logical healthy people make for a healthy country, how best to encourage people to eat healthier remains controversial and politically-charged.

Cattle markets to remain “solidly profitable” in the near-term

Marketing grids help ranchers find value for their calves

Feedyards and packers remained in near standoff positions until late Friday when cattle traded at higher money.

Placements of cattle during February totaled 1.52 million head, 8% lower than last year.

It was another ugly week for cattle feeders.

Cash fed cattle traded steady while yearling feeder cattle posted sharp gains for the week.

Beef packers put away the red ink last week as they turned modest profits on every animal processed. Feedyard margins, however, slipped a little further away from positive.

Cattle markets roared into March with a rally many believe was long overdue.

Cash cattle prices dipped nearly 50 cents per cwt.

Cattle traders hope this week’s activity signals an end to the beating the market has suffered through most of the first two months of this year.

Whether you’re cattle feeder or packer, ledger sheets are full of red ink.

Cattle feeding margins declined $45 per head last week, leaving average per head losses at more than $77.

Cattle feeding margins improved nearly $25 per head last week, but average per head losses remain more than $32.

A scientist is hoping to turn Black Angus cattle white.

Despite overwhelming support, 71% according to the latest survey, a vocal minority of producers continue to seek an end to your beef checkoff.

A benchmark study identifies how to create the highest-value animals for the beef industry

Cattle feeding margins declined nearly $53 per head last week, leaving average losses at $56 per head.

Traders and analysts were surprised by USDA’s 2015 Cattle Inventory Report, which suggests increases are coming to the beef supply chain sooner than expected.

For the first time in nine years, America’s cattle herd is increasing.

Cattle feeding margins have declined $118 per head over the last two weeks, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Compared to pre-release estimates, USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report carried a neutral to bullish tone.

Losses averaged $3 per head last week after profits exceeded $50 per head the week before, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Cattle feeders began the New Year with black ink on their closeouts, but profits were minimal

Cow herd expansion takes shape as producers look to cash in on robust consumer demand

As cattle prices surged this past year, profitability reached into every corner of our industry. Record-high prices were established every quarter, possibly a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Herds increased in 2014, but beef production will fall again

After two weeks of losses, cattle feeding margins are back in the black.

As good as the cattle markets have been in 2014, next year should be even better. Even among economists, wary as they are about predicting a market rally, few hesitate to predict 2015 to be another banner year.

Beef economists have been perplexed all year by robust beef demand in the face of ever higher retail beef prices.

First convention and trade show sparks interest in Kansas City