Markets
Analysts predicted feedyard placements to be lower but April placements totaled 1.52 million, 15 percent below 2011.
The U.S. cattle on feed inventory totaled 11.5 million head on April 1, 2012.
But opportunities abound for stocker operators and backgrounders.
Because of the sharp price pressure on cattle futures ahead of Cattle on Feed report, the negative price reaction should be limited.
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter in feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.8 million as of Feb. 1.
Heifers and heifer calves accounted for 4.50 million head, up 6 percent from 2011.
As cattle prices reach record levels, investors are starting to take notice as well.
Two feedyard operators discuss advantages of predictable cattle when grid marketing.
This is the second highest November 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.
Retaining ownership gives cow-calf producers the chance to learn more about their cattle and receive premiums.
Some feeders holding out for higher prices, which could make feedyard showlists longer next week.
Research beef cattle studies focus on residual-feed intake and evaluate feed efficiency
The Environmental Protection Agency decides to retain the current coarse particulate matter (dust) standard.
Friday’s Cattle on Feed inventory numbers caught analysts off guard, but it may just be a sign of a shrinking cowherd.
While last week’s drop in corn price provided an opportunity to lock in feed needs, that volatility makes planning difficult.
Feedlots struggle to generate higher cash trade, which was a disappointment given tighter show lists.
The old rule of thumb that feeder prices trade inversely to corn price does not necessarily hold true in today’s markets.
This is the third highest September 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.
Traders were caught off guard as cattle marketings were above expectations and placements were below expectations in today’s report.
Weaker grain and stronger fed prices mean some classes of cattle show profit potential that can be locked in now.
But drought conditions in some regions are dampening demand for stocker weight cattle.
Packers will have larger show lists next week, which doesn’t bode well for near term cash improvement.
To build on this week’s strength, traders will need to be convinced the cash market is headed higher.
Are you getting enough information from your feedyard to help improve the herd?
The quantity of beef available to consumers has declined in recent years, unfortunately that trend is going to continue.
Beef producers can compete at the meat case by changing breeding, management and marketing.
A commercial rancher has switched from a pounds-only philosophy to one that includes quality.