Hulett: Cash Continues Higher

The cash fed cattle market found its way higher again last week.  Feeders in the South were able to push the market up to $132.  There were several cattle feeders who held out until later in the week trying to get more for their cattle, but too many feeders had already given up early in the week.

Cattle feeders in the North were in much of the same situation.  They were only able to get their market to $132 live and up to $209 dressed.  The North also saw considerable trade earlier in the week.

The last few weeks have been something that cattle feeders have not seen for quite some time.  We have had four or more packers in the market all fighting for cattle every week for the first time in two years.  That is what makes it hard to understand why cattle feeders are so unwilling to fight for a better market when they have had a perfect opportunity.  It makes it hard to ask for government intervention when so many are not willing to fight for their own industry. 

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