Similar to last year, packers have idled the harvest pace lower in an effort to keep prices in check. The strategy favors more late-week trading.
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.
Scientist finds that it's the cow-calf stage, not the feedlot stage, that contributes more to greenhouse gases in the beef supply chain.
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.
Cattle producers anticipate 10-year cycle high, but the odds hinge on Mother Nature’s cooperation.
As feedlots feed animals placed at heavier weight, feed conversion on a per-pound of gain basis will increase but overall industry use of grain will decrease.
The cattle market still anticipates peak prices for 2013 in nearly every segment of the industry, but it all depends on the weather.
Along with feedlot inventory, placement into feedlots during November were 6 percent below 2011.
While nobody knows yet what will happen in 2013, here are five areas to keep your eye on.
Placements in feedlots during October totaled 2.18 million, 13 percent below 2011.
Feedlots are paying record prices and having trouble maintaining inventory.
Follow these tips to make sure your feed mixers are ready for work.
Prices of both corn and soybeans should be well supported until rationing has been confirmed.
USDA projects the feeding of wheat will account for 12.7% of total use of U.S. wheat during 2012, up from the 9.1% average.
Poor weather conditions have resulted in high feed costs and big financial losses, Purdue Extension agricultural economist Chris Hurt says.
The impacts of the 2012 drought continue to play out in a beef industry discouraged by high feed prices and large cattle feeding losses.
Placements in feedlots during September totaled 2.00 million, 19 percent below 2011.
With high feed costs, every improvement in feed efficiency boosts the bottom line.
Drought conditions have had a significant effect on feeder cattle supplies.
A large Canadian beef recall has spread to several hundred U.S. supermarkets.
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%.
As expected, placements for May were higher, while marketings were 1% higher.
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.
Comfortable cattle are profitable cattle. That's why many feeders take steps to acclimate new arrivals.
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.
Cattle-Exchange.com is a new website from Beef Today that's connecting cattle buyers and sellers.
Feedyard opens door to producers wanting to save breeding inventory.
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.
Extreme weather conditions could sprout weed problems this spring.
Retaining ownership gives cow-calf producers the chance to learn more about their cattle and receive premiums.
This is the second highest November 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.
Fueled by declining beef production due to the drought and booming exports, fed-cattle prices soared to new levels.
This is the second highest October 1 inventory since the series began in 1996.
The Environmental Protection Agency decides to retain the current coarse particulate matter (dust) standard.
Needing tips on storing ethanol byproducts for feeding? The University of Nebraska Extension has six videos looking at storage options.
Research beef cattle studies focus on residual-feed intake and evaluate feed efficiency
Some feeders holding out for higher prices, which could make feedyard showlists longer next week.
With corn prices rising, producers look at alternative feeds
When a plain old burger or taco won't do, restaurants and retailers look to businesses that can take the plain and make it unique.
While last week's drop in corn price provided an opportunity to lock in feed needs, that volatility makes planning difficult.
Friday's Cattle on Feed inventory numbers caught analysts off guard, but it may just be a sign of a shrinking cowherd.
Traders were caught off guard as cattle marketings were above expectations and placements were below expectations in today's report.
