Farm Journal Exclusive: Turning Cobs into Cash

U.S. farmers are facing a changing scenario this year. From wet conditions impeding planting in 2020, to now drought concerns creeping in, one analyst thinks weather could be a major market mover in 2021.

On-feed numbers indicate that packers could be running low on committed cattle, which should force some packers back into the cash market in the coming weeks.

As the calving season approaches, an increased understanding of the parturition process is helpful. The more we understand about the physiology of the process, the more likely we are to make sound decisions.

Drought persists across much of the west and has extended into much of the Great Plains, with several states showing the impact of the drought on hay production and supplies and the challenges for cattle producers.

Cattle feeders were left on the sidelines as every other cattle/beef market segment saw a price rally. Futures markets set new highs, but cash cattle have not reached $112 for seven months.

Cargill announced it will temporarily idle two of its protein processing facilities for scheduled maintenance. The idling of the facilities is unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic.