Hulett: Weather Slows Beef Production in the South

.
.
(CBP)

Beef production slowed to a virtual standstill due to extreme winter weather in the South last week.  The load on the supply of electricity and natural gas limited the packing plants in the South region from running at full capacity.  The packers did not have a need for extra inventory with interrupted harvest schedules. 

The inventory taken on was steady at $114 on limited volume.   Due to the extreme conditions the loss of pounds had producers willing to push for a more optimal cattle trade into next week. 

Steady money on cash trade at $114, was the result of the trade in the North.  The weather didn’t have the extreme impact on the North, but as in the South packers didn’t have much of an appetite to take on inventory.   Dressed trade continued to be in the low $180’s on most cattle.

With warmer temperatures trade and cattle harvest should get back to a more normal number this week.  Over the next few weeks, the April board and cash should begin to converge.  How this will happen is yet unknown, however, odds are good for producers to push cash higher and help narrow the gap.

Brad Hulett is Director, Customer Development & Regional Manager, Kansas at Consolidated Beef Producers , Inc.

 

Latest News

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.

How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains
How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains

We can’t care for our livestock, resources and families without caring for ourselves first. That seems even harder during the busy seasons, but it isn’t impossible and even one thing a day makes a difference.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows

Last week’s rally to new record prices pushed packer and feeder margins in opposite directions. Pork producer margins continue higher with prices now above year ago.

Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations
Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations

As horses are exposed to the environment, wildlife and mosquitoes that transmit the five core equine diseases, it’s important to follow the core equine disease vaccination protocol.