Markets
Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says cattle futures started higher early Monday on the heels of record cash. Grains tried to bounce but may have a tough time holding any gains with favorable weather, big yield ideas and trade uncertainty.
Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek says live and feeder cattle futures are trying to recover after an ugly day Thursday that ended with bearish reversals. Grains are mixed on favorable weather and tariff news.
Check out the Sterling Marketing Profit Tracker for week of July 25.
Economists further breakdown USDA’s Cattle on Feed Report and Cattle Inventory Report that were released on Friday. The Cattle Inventory Report showed the smallest U.S. herd in history and a smaller calf crop, plus the Cattle on Feed Report confirmed continued tightening numbers on feed.
Joe Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says both live and feeder cattle futures gapped higher into all-time and contract highs again on Monday morning on the heels of the bullish USDA Cattle on Feed and Cattle Inventory Reports. Grains opened lower as weather is trumping export and trade news.
Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek says both live and feeder cattle futures had a nice recovery and got within striking distance of the all-time highs set earlier in the week.
Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University extension livestock marketing specialist, says USDA’s Cattle on Feed Report was friendly. The Cattle Inventory Report indicated confirms historically tight supplies will stay around for a while.
Check out Sterling Marketing Profit Tracker for week of July 19.
With tight supplies and a strong demand, cull cow prices continue to set records.
Brad Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek says the cattle futures opened lower on Monday on follow through selling after the bearish reversals scored on Friday. Corn and soybeans fall with rains over the weekend in the Corn Belt.
Scott Varilek of Kooima Kooima Varilek says cattle futures saw some routine profit taking Thursday and early Friday despite some strong cash trade but the market feels heavy. Grains are rallying on weather or is it technical?
With large moves in both directions, fed cattle prices have been erratic for the past three weeks.
A disconnect with cash and futures market and discussions about New World screwworm and tariffs, along with macroeconomics brings some uncertainty.
Check out the Sterling Marketing Profit Tracker for the week of July 12.
Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says cattle futures are seeing some routine profit taking after hitting all-time and record highs again on Friday. Corn is seeing short covering off fresh contract lows but can it hold any gains?
Live and feeder cattle futures opened lower on Friday but quickly turned higher with strong cash news according to Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek. Grains see pressure from weather and the risk off outside market influences tied to the proposed tariff increases on Canada to 35% by Aug. 1
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Extension livestock economist James Mitchell summarizes the sharp increases in beef prices the first half of 2025.
Brad Kooima, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says cattle futuresare showing resilience early Monday due to better than expected cash trade. However, grains are seeing heavy selling pressure.
Chris Swift says the beef industry is in a tiger trap it can’t get out of with a wide basis spread — the cash market is trading considerably higher than the futures.
Scott Varilek of Kooima Kooima Varilek says cattle futures are trading higher building on Wednesday’s big reversal which was initially triggered by trade news but then better than expected cash trade added to the rally. Grains are also higher on hopes of an announced deal with China.
Check out Sterling Marketing’s Profit Tracker for week of June 28.
The passing of the early summer seasonal high in fed cattle values came two weeks earlier than last year but was aligned with that of 2023.
Joe Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says live and feeder cattle futures had a gap lower opening this morning on news from USDA of a phased re-opening of the border to Mexican cattle starting July 7.
Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says cattle futures are holding together despite lower cash trade, while grains are finally seeing a bounce in reaction to a China deal on rare earths.
Two studies illuminate food prices for the holiday barbecue season.
Check out the Sterling Marketing Profit Tracker for the week of June 21.
Cattle inventory was 1% below the same date a year ago and in line with pre-report expectations, while placements were friendly coming in below estimates.
The Nebraska and Iowa/Minnesota reporting regions continue to lead the way with a trading range from $239 to $244/cwt.