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Cattle feeders began the New Year with black ink on their closeouts, but profits were minimal

Uncharted territory. That’s where America’s cattle feeding industry finds itself as fed cattle lose $611 per head.

Already facing steep losses, cattle feeders saw their margins decline further in a dismal pre-Labor Day market.

Unfortunately, yes.

With cash fed cattle prices tumbling $6 per cwt. last week an increase in cattle feeding losses was certain.

It’s been a rough fall for cattle feeders, but cowboys found some signs last week that suggest the worst may be behind them.

Cattle feeders hope the cash market found its bottom last week.

Cattle feeding margins took another tumble last week as cash fed cattle prices declined $2.40 per cwt.

Beef packer margins jumped into the black last week while cattle feeders saw their margins improve $88 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

A $4 per cwt. rally in cash fed cattle prices reduced losses for fed cattle to less than $50 per head last week.