University of Kentucky’s Burdine says low domestic cattle inventory, combined with the ban on live cattle imports from Mexico, continue to keep cattle supplies tight.
Cow slaughter was down by more than 17% through mid-May. If that trend continues through the rest of the year, beef cow slaughter would be at the lowest levels we have seen since 2015.
Tight cattle supplies will remain the primary driver in the new year and weather will have a significant impact on feed and forage availability, and cattle marketing patterns.
Approaching the time when most spring born calves are sold, it’s a time for producers to make culling decisions for their cow-calf operations. Along with the 3 O’s, consider these cow culling suggestions.
Markets understand the tight supply picture that is being set up and have responded accordingly. Feeder Cattle futures have moved into the mid-$180s, which creates pricing opportunities for summer stocker operations.
