Cattle slaughter for the holiday-shortened week was pegged at 458,000 and down from 537,000 the prior week leaving utilization in fed plants at 70.3% and 51.3% in cow plants.
The Comprehensive Beef Cutout averaged $392.24/cwt. for the week against $390.94/cwt. the prior week. Together with the 5-Area Choice Steer price averaging $255.22/cwt. and off from $259.65/cwt. a week earlier, Sterling’s estimated packer margin averaged -$304.78/head for the week.
Feedlot margins were also reduced for the week with Sterling’s estimated average at $435.48/head compared to $668.77/head the prior week.
View the full Sterling Beef Profit Tracker for the week ending July 4.
The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.
(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)
