Beef Production
As cash cattle prices have been on an upward trajectory in 2023, packer margins have correspondingly moved lower. Sterling Marketing’s weekly estimates are printing packer margins red for the first time in six years.
Cattle and hog harvest rates were lower last week with higher cash prices paid to farmers and feeders. Margins for both beef and pork packers are trending lower.
Profit margins for cattle feeders increased as cash prices moved higher last week. Pork producers continue operating with negative margins.
Momentum continues to shift in cattle markets with strong feeding margins and tightening supplies. Pork producers continue to struggle with negative margins.
Cattle feeding margins declined last week after modest declines in cash cattle prices. Pork producer margins remain underwater.
Cattle feeders have experienced their best month in years with prices reaching record levels. Hog producers, however, are struggling to keep margins out of the red.
Cattle feeders sold more cattle last week than any week this year and at the highest price in history. Pork producers saw modest profits.
Cattle feeders saw their margins shrink $70 per head last week as a modest increase in market-ready supplies led packers to sharply cut their negotiated purchases.
If a seasonal price decline develops as anticipated, this year’s starting point for cattle feeders is the best in a decade. Pork producers notch their second week of modest profits.
Cash cattle prices declined last week for the first time in a month, but wholesale prices moved higher for the fifth consecutive week. Prices for yearling feeder cattle placed on feed topped $200 per cwt.
Grilling season set to kick off as both packers and cattle feeders operating with profitable margins. Pork producers continue the struggle to reach profitability.
Packers have navigated through the tightest supplies of the season while maintaining profitability. Now, supplies are anticipated to increase seasonally which could swing more leverage in their favor.
Cattle feeders saw average profits of more than $300 per head last week while pork producers found average losses of about $13 per head.
Cattle feeders experience largest average profits in seven years as packer margins dip into the red.
Profit margins for cattle feeders and packers continue pacing in opposite directions as shrinking supplies of market-ready cattle drive negotiated cash prices higher.
Wholesale beef prices continue to support packer margins even as negotiated cash cattle trade well-above the five-year average. Pork producers enjoy a market rally that has lifted margins out of the red.
Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance. Hot weather and drought conditions can impact both water quality and quantity for cattle.
The use of shades in feedlots has made a big difference in the effects of heat on fat cattle, but a few other strategies can help keep cattle cool, enabling cattle to keep gaining, even in the dog days of summer.
Oklahoma State investigated using distiller’s grain cubes in a supplementation program for growing steers with mineral supplements containing ionophores offered free-choice in a separate complete mineral mix.
Prices are higher as tighter numbers and beef supplies push markets toward record levels. The biggest question now is the extent herd rebuilding begins with increased heifer retention and reductions in cow slaughter.
Feeder cattle got a boost from declining corn prices and wholesale beef prices moved lower ahead of next week’s holiday-shortened schedule.
As the balers roll through the fields and hay meadows, now is the time for proper maintenance and regularly inspected equipment.
Compared to other animals, cattle can’t dissipate their heat load very effectively. Cattle do not sweat effectively and rely on respiration to cool themselves.
Understanding the signs of heat stress, effective strategies to combat it, and maintaining optimal conditions to keep cattle cool are critical to beating the heat.
Sweet clover has many desirable characteristics and forms a deep soil-penetrating taproot that aids in water infiltration and aeration. Sweet clover also tolerates alkaline soils and benefits wildlife.
Why do some of the best calves catch a cough, known as summer pneumonia? K-State experts discuss the disease and what ranchers can do to best mitigate an outbreak in their herd.
The Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor is a new survey of nearly 50 economists. Most ag economists agree the next 12 months could produce more financial pressure for agriculture, but their views vary depending on commodity.
Areas in the upper Midwest, Mid-South and Mid-Atlantic are being impacted. The American Veterinary Medical Association says to monitor animals as well as people and take precautions to keep everyone safe.
Cash fed steer prices reached record highs two weeks ago, and the trajectory – fueled by strong demand and restricted head counts – was predestined to hit the seasonal ceiling.
Veterinarians as Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute discuss tips for using and storing animal health products for optimum performance.