Feedyards Try To Push Market Higher
For the week of March 12, contrary to the board, the fed cattle market was steady to a dollar higher at $127 in the South.
The North live trade was $128 to $128.50, dressed cattle brought $204 to $205, and a few stand out cattle traded at $207.
Fed cattle numbers in the South will continue to be steady to slightly higher, as the number of market ready cattle in the north retreats.
The market over the next few weeks could be the best possible time for the feeder to push the live market before larger supplies arrive.
Beef demand continues to be steady to higher. Positive packer margins should keep plants running extra hours to create inventories to meet the demand.
The South cattle feeders have stayed current, to ahead in marketings. The North cattle are behind due to winter storms. This supply situation may ease the burden of market ready cattle in the next few months.
Brad Hulett is a marketing representative for Consolidated Beef Producers in Amarillo, Texas. He is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University-Maryville and formerly worked as a cattle buyer for Cargill Meat Solutions. Consolidated Beef Producers is a cooperative of cattlemen and feedyard owners striving to expand marketing opportunities for themselves and their customers. Market Alley weekly cattle market insight is produced in cooperation with Drovers, and is intended for information purposes only, and should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell commodities or securities.