Packer margins fell deeper into the red last week in line as the Comprehensive Cutout was pressured lower averaging $357.82/cwt. compared to $361.52 the previous week.
Sterling estimated packer margins averaged -$186.75/head for the week.
5-Area Direct Choice Steers averaged $228/cwt. and nearly unchanged from the prior week.
Feedlot margins estimated by Sterling averaged $304.75/head last week compared to $272.06/head a week earlier. Breakeven prices for those cattle was estimated at $206.27/cwt. while cattle place on feed last week had an estimated breakeven price of $231/cwt.
View the full Sterling Beef Profit Tracker for the week ending Dec. 20.
The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.
(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)
