Markets
Cattle prices were weaker on the week with volatility in the futures markets and the season’s first cold spell on the way. Wholesale beef prices traded higher seasonally.
Fed cattle trade posted gains last week, but the rally was not incentivized by wholesale beef prices, but rather pushed by limited supplies of ready cattle.
Cattle futures rallied to all-time highs on Friday after Thursday’s sell off, supporting negotiated cash prices that reported mostly steady for the week.
As the futures continued to grab new ground throughout the week, cattle feeders continued to find confidence in higher asking prices.
Profit margins for cattle sold for slaughter last week declined $55 per head, according to the Sterling Profit Tracker.
Cattle feeding margins declined by $80 per head last week as cash prices slumped $1 to $2 per cwt.
Cattle feeding margins improved $16 per head last week as cash prices inched higher less than $1 per cwt.
Cattle feeding margins improved $43 per head last week as cash prices gained nearly $2 per cwt.
Cattle feeding margins are rapidly declining as cash cattle prices retreat from spring highs
Cattle feeding margins jumped nearly $17 per head higher last week to average $196.50.
The increase in margins was the third consecutive weekly gain, leaving average profits above $230 per head.
The pain eased somewhat for cattle feeders last week, but losses remain more than $170 per head.
It was another ugly week for cattle feeders.
Beef packers put away the red ink last week as they turned modest profits on every animal processed. Feedyard margins, however, slipped a little further away from positive.
Cash cattle prices dipped nearly 50 cents per cwt.
Whether you’re cattle feeder or packer, ledger sheets are full of red ink.
Cattle feeding margins declined $45 per head last week, leaving average per head losses at more than $77.
Cattle feeding margins improved nearly $25 per head last week, but average per head losses remain more than $32.
After two weeks of losses, cattle feeding margins are back in the black.
Cattle feeders began the New Year with black ink on their closeouts, but profits were minimal
Cattle feeding margins declined nearly $53 per head last week, leaving average losses at $56 per head.
The financial pain of feeding cattle eased again last week, but losses remain more than $125 per head.
The pain eased somewhat for cattle feeders last week, but losses remain more than $97 per head.
Cattle feeding margins took another turn south last week after a nearly $4 per cwt. decline in fed cattle prices.
Cattle feeding margins took another tumble last week after a $1 per cwt. decline in fed cattle prices.
Cattle feeders added a little powder and lipstick to closeouts this week, but the ugly continues to shine through.
Last week saw dramatic improvement in cattle feeding margins, yet triple-digit losses remain.
A $6 per head decline in cattle feeding margins is tolerable, unless you were already losing $112.
Cattle feeding margins took two steps back last week as cash cattle prices hover around what producers hope are the summer lows.
Cattle feeders and beef packers are hoping the price lows are in for the summer as both operated at a loss last week.