Latest News From Markets

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) says supply and demand factors led to the dramatic cattle price decline from 2013 to 2016.

Cattle markets moved down sharply but possibly have turned a short-term corner higher.

Remaining cattle feeding profits were erased last week with a $4 decline in the cash market.

A feedlot in southeastern Washington has settled a fine imposed by the state after allegedly failing to manage air pollution.

A feedlot in southeastern Washington has settled a fine imposed by the state after allegedly failing to manage air pollution.

Beef exports in February totaled 74,554 metric tons which is 9.5 percent higher than February 2017.

A midweek rally helped to keep cash prices in the north slightly firmer than those in the south.

The prospective plantings report was bearish for corn, which was good news for feedlot demand.

Cattle feeding profits declined $50 per head last week while packer margins improved to more than $170.

The beef community has embraced the idea that marbling promotes tenderness, juiciness and flavor as perceived by beef consumers.

In a light trade of fed cattle in Kansas on Tuesday, cash prices were reported at $118 per cwt., fully $3 lower than last week.

As is normal, beef cattle industry participants are trying to process many pieces of information.

The cattle feeders taking advantage of the positive basis, the trend for several weeks now, was again the catalyst for last week’s trade. 

Expect shifting slaughter patterns.

Despite challenges, JBS S.A. reports a surge in annual profits.

Growing beef supplies are weighing on cattle markets ahead of the grazing season.

Despite the challenges of growing cattle and beef supplies and seasonal pressure ahead in many markets, cattle market fundamentals are quite supportive and stable at this time.

Both cattle feeding and packer margins held firm at solidly profitable levels.

The feeders’ ability to hold steady or gain in the market may not come until mid-April.

The price decline has resulted in prices falling below existing support levels which makes it difficult to know where the bottom is in the market.

The last time the Cattle on Feed report grew 9% from the previous year was in October 2006.

Due to the lack of rain, feedyards are advised to begin their spring manure harvesting or dust mitigation practices sooner than later.

A nice spring (or we might say late winter) rally has had fed cattle in the upper $120s for most of the last 8 weeks.

Wednesday on AgriTalk ATBl, Don Close from Rabo AgriFinance talked with host Chip Flory about the demand side of the cattle and beef markets. He explained new trends in U.S. dining are helping to support beef demand.

Tuesday on AgriTalk ATB, Scott Varilek from Kooima & Kaemingk Commodities in Sioux Center, Iowa, told host Chip Flory that the structure of the cattle market is providing plenty of incentive to keep marketings current.

An update on fed cattle carcass quality grades is anything but routine this week as we’re seeing a noted push in carcass quality, setting records in the first quarter this year.

More than 140 employees have lost their jobs in Oregon after a 120-year old beef packer closes.

Cattle feeding margins slipped as the cost of feeder cattle increased in last week's closeouts.

Chuck and brisket prices are up $15/cwts and $54/cwt, respectively from last year.

The world's largest cattle feeder has officially been purchased by Pinnacle Asset Management for $200 million.

Beef demand continues to be steady to higher.

Steady to $1 higher cash fed cattle prices upped cattle feeding margins $20 per head to $194, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Wherever you get your news, you likely couldn’t avoid hearing a particular T word last week: tariffs.

There are some international issues lurking that could hamper the market, but nothing has slowed the market.

USDA’s Outlook Forum gives a preview of what the future holds for the cattle industry.

Assuming carcass quality is the same, then acceptable carcass quantity is achievable across a large range in cow weights.

The very narrow spread between CAB and Choice product, reduced even further from last week, represents a great buying opportunity for the premium brand.

Cattle feeding margins held firm last week while packer margins more than doubled.

The cattle market is wrought with risk, and these risks can be laden with challenges and opportunities.

Limited winter grazing numbers and early movement of wheat pasture cattle to feedlots means that little of the normal March run of wheat pasture cattle will be seen this year in the Southern Plains.

The strong domestic demand and strong export volumes that were well-reported through last year appear to be continuing.

A $2 per cwt. dip in cash cattle prices cut $32 of closeout margins last week, but added $46 to packer margins.

The 2017 U.S. calf crop at 35.8 million head was up 2% or 751,000 head from 2016’s.

Growing demand for goat meat in the U.S. from ethnic minority groups and foodies has made an unlikely export superstar for Australian farmers, with exports surging to a record.

January placements up 4.4% versus a year ago, while Feb. 1 feedlot cattle at 107.9% of year ago.

Cattle on feed numbers continue to climb.

Cattle on feed numbers increased 8% during January.

Holding our ground and protecting our export position is vital in the two years ahead as our fed cattle supplies grow to the cycle peak and competing U.S. protein supplies become record large.

Holding our ground and protecting our export position is vital in the two years ahead as our fed cattle supplies grow to the cycle peak and competing U.S. protein supplies become record large.

Cash cattle prices rallied $3-plus per cwt. last week, and average feedyard margins remain above $200 per head.