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Disciplined hedgers protect themselves against noise and volatility – the very essence of why futures markets exist, and why smart feeders use that tool.

Packers and cattle feeders spent the week in a standoff ahead of USDA’s dual July reports that were bullish as expected, suggesting a 3% decline in cattle inventories and a 2% decline in cattle on feed inventories.

“Most farms don’t have the time, capabilities, perspectives, resources or desire to do all the tasks it takes to run an operation,” says Steve Kluemper, AgriStrategies LLC founder. “A lot of growers hire to fill gaps.”

Beef cows and total mid-year inventory down 3%. Cattle on Feed July 1 totaled 11.2 million head, down 2% from July 2022.

Bartholomay Kattle Kompany of Sheldon is the recipient of the 2023 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®.

As USDA prepares to release the July beef cattle inventory report, the Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor forecasts only a small reduction year-over-year. If the forecast holds true, it could put a damper on cattle prices.

The rural economy seems to be set on cruise in neutral gear. That’s according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) from Creighton University.

The July Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor showed several key changes from June including a bigger cut to corn and soybean yields, a drop in corn and soybean prices and more bullish cattle and hog prices.

Big moves in Washington in 2023 could impact your farm.