Cash fed cattle prices ended last week $10 per cwt. lower than last year while the beef cutout closed $16 higher than the same week a year ago. The result? Packer margins $314 per head more than last year.
Markets will no doubt evolve this fall and producers must continue to evaluate winter grazing potential under dynamic market conditions and profit potential may vary widely.
Friday's USDA cattle on feed report held a few surprises for cattlemen, and analysts are finding the available data a challenge after the turbulence witnessed the first half of 2020.
Cattle prices rallied for the seventh consecutive week, adding $12 per cwt. over that span. Cattle on feed numbers were up 2% Aug. 1, with July placements up 11%.
If you are targeting selling your calves during one of this fall's value-added or preconditioned sales, be mindful some of the required weaning dates are only days away.
For his immeasurable impact on the industry and the people in it, Matsushima will receive the 2020 Feeding Quality Forum Industry Achievement Award. He’ll be recognized during the virtual event, slated for Aug. 25-26.
Cash cattle prices moved higher again for the sixth consecutive week, with the North still trading premium to the South. Feedyards in the South appear to be cleaning up faster than expected.
