Markets
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association comments on Merck Animal Health’s response to Tyson’s ban of Zilmax-fed cattle.
Merck Animal Heath will suspend sales of Zilmax in the U.S. and Canada, while the beta-agnostic feed additive is under additional scientific audit after Tyson issued a ban on purchasing Zilmax-fed cattle.
South Dakota State University Extension is hosting a Seedstock Symposium June 27-28 in Sioux Falls to provide cattle producers with information on tools improve cattle feeding and reproductive efficiency.
Even with USDA’s higher forecast of 2013 beef production, lower expected corn yields and higher prices continue to stem growth in the U.S. beef herd.
The late spring rally comes after boxed beef and fed markets appeared to have topped in March.
Placements into feedyards are the lowest for February since the series began in 1996.
The 2012 calf crop was estimated at 34.3 million head, down 3%from 2011,which is the smallest calf crop since the 33.7 million born during 1949.
Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.2 million head on Jan. 1, 2013.
Dwindling cattle supplies cited as cause for halting production at the Plainview, Texas, facility.
Along with feedlot inventory, placement into feedlots during November were 6 percent below 2011.
Feedlots are paying record prices and having trouble maintaining inventory.
Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.18 million, 13 percent below 2011.
Placements in feedlots during September totaled 2.00 million, 19 percent below 2011.
Poor weather conditions have resulted in high feed costs and big financial losses, Purdue Extension agricultural economist Chris Hurt says.
A large Canadian beef recall has spread to several hundred U.S. supermarkets.
Drought conditions have had a significant effect on feeder cattle supplies.
Ranchers considering restocking options should think profitability first and foremost before writing a check.
Meanwhile, placements in feedlots during July totaled 1.92 million, 10 percent below 2011.
This is the lowest cattle inventory since the series began in 1973; meanwhile cattle inventory in feedyards is up 3%.
Algae typically isn’t associated with cattle feed, but some interesting research results may change this.
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.