Cash fed cattle prices ended last week $10 per cwt. lower than last year while the beef cutout closed $16 higher than the same week a year ago. The result? Packer margins $314 per head more than last year.
This year's weather extremes will play a role in the success of calf marketing programs.
The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker reports average cattle feeding closeouts were in the black last week, but with little room to spare.
Cattle feeding profit margins retreat further with a weaker cash market and limited packer interest.
Last week's $2 per cwt. decline in cash cattle prices left feedyard margins at near breakeven levels.
Cattle feeding margins are rapidly declining as cash cattle prices retreat from spring highs
Cattle feeding margins improved $43 per head last week as cash prices gained nearly $2 per cwt.
Cattle feeding margins improved $16 per head last week as cash prices inched higher less than $1 per cwt.
