Hulett: Feeding Industry Continues to Struggle
Cattle feeders in the South saw a repeat of the last several weeks’ market. Cargill was the first packer to bid and kept their market steady at $124 on limited numbers. Later in the week other packers would come into the market at $123.
Feeders in the North saw their market steady to slightly lower. Most of the cash trade was $123-$125 and dressed trade $196-$200. Trade numbers in the North have also been on a limited basis.
The number of market ready cattle continue to be at a surplus. Events like last week’s plant fire at JBS and scheduled cooler cleanings will continue to keep a healthy supply of ready cattle in front of the packer.
Brad Hulett is Director, Customer Development & Regional Manager, Kansas, at Consolidated Beef Producers , Inc.