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Cattle feeding margins improved $16 per head last week as cash prices inched higher less than $1 per cwt.

Cattle feeding margins improved $43 per head last week as cash prices gained nearly $2 per cwt.

Cattle feeding and packer profit margins both declined last week as cash cattle prices were modestly lower.

Cattle feeding and packer profit margins were mostly steady the week ending December 21, with cash prices for fed cattle slightly higher.

Feedyard margins declined $28 per head last week to total an average loss of $70 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Feedyard margins dropped another $20 last week to total an average loss of $90 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Calling losses of $193 per head an improvement may be painful, but it’s accurate.

Cattle prices have fallen and so are profits.

Last week’s $2 per cwt. decline in cash cattle prices left feedyard margins at near breakeven levels.

Feedlot closeouts continue ending on positive notes.