There seems a belief that speculators – either too many or not quite enough – are solely responsible for driving the market one direction or another. But bashing speculators is what people do who don’t like the price.
Cattle futures markets have come under criticism lately for their volatility. A common theme is there are “too many shorts” or “too many longs.” That ignores the fundamental fact that futures markets must come in pairs.
USDA’s regular October reports provided insight about future beef production. Any thoughts of herd restocking that may have existed earlier have been put on hold for now.
Beef’s critics see an industry that is corrupt and/or broken with NCBA and packers padding their pockets. The facts tell a different story. Beef is winning the marketplace…and it’s not even close.
Profitability challenges in the dairy sector make the value of beef-on-dairy (BXD) calves more important and underscores the reality that dairy cows are now on double duty.
Prices for day-old beef-X-dairy (BXD) calves are often surprisingly high. But what used to be a highly discounted after-thought (straight dairy calves) is rapidly transforming into a meaningful source of production.
When considering the capital commitment required to maintain a cow over her lifetime, genetic testing is really a financial risk management tool and an investment in total herd profitability.
The demise of cattle feedlots is a talking point often used to stir emotion among those in the industry. How might such claims be argued in court where alternative facts are usually exposed under cross examination?
More days on feed means more opportunity for something going wrong – ultimately ending in increased death loss. Preventive illness management before arrival is more important than ever.
There’s mounting evidence of a protracted cattle cycle because whatever happens from here, Speer says, next year’s starting cow herd number will be down sharply.
