Carcass Quality
Aside from the added carcass tonnage, the leap in carcass weights - driven by extra days on feed - has generated a noted shift in carcass marbling and quality grade achievement.
USDA offers educational events for cattle producers and feeders who want a better understanding of factors contributing to the market value of cattle, and how these factors can inform marketing and production decisions.
Beef carcass cutout values have continued a precipitous decline since mid-March, tracking a 5% lower trend in that period. That is firmly against the trend charted in the previous three-year average.
This growing beef-on-dairy health problem is costing packers two major things – time and money.
Since 2011, dairy cows evaluated using genetic testing has doubled every five years to exceed 1 million annually. That reduced sire generation interval to the point where genetic improvement is at the biological limit.
Technology and robust data management will allow more cattlemen and smaller processors access to USDA graders to remotely assign official quality grades for beef carcasses, providing an opportunity to increase value.
Low-stress cattle handling methods have been discussed and promoted for many years, but could implementing low-stress handling techniques influence animal performance and improve your bottom line?
Rib and tenderloins are pricing near their annual highs, but a look at annual price trends across the beef carcass shows increasing contributions to CAB premiums from both ends of the carcass.
While it’s likely the U.S. cowherd is generally of higher quality than it was a decade ago, today’s smaller herd presents an opportunity for ranchers to take another step forward with quality and management.
Speaking during the recent World Wagyu Conference, Midan Marketing cofounder Michael Uetz encouraged Wagyu breeders to better understand their consumer target.
Shifting market dynamics are most succinctly summarized through two factors, fewer cattle and higher prices, that will further entrench themselves in near term trends.
In the waning days ahead of Labor Day spot market beef prices are posting positive numbers, boosting a bit of optimism into the total beef complex.
Certified Angus Beef recognizes the recipient of the Dr. Bobby VanStavern Award for Beef Quality Research and acknowledges other successful researchers for their contribution to improving beef quality.
Results from the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit provide insight into the quality and value of cattle on the rail, determining ways the industry might look to improve in the coming years.
Cash fed steer prices reached record highs two weeks ago, and the trajectory – fueled by strong demand and restricted head counts – was predestined to hit the seasonal ceiling.
Moving forward, lower quality grades in May and lighter carcass weights combined with shorter fed cattle supplies may be expected, driving premiums into the high-quality cattle and beef markets.
The 2022 National Beef Quality Audit was released May 16 during a call with media. Data from the audit indicate a safe and high-quality product is consistently offered to today’s consumers.
Calves enrolled in the OQBN Vac-45 Program attained an average market premium of $18.67/cwt in 2022 and an average of $13.06/cwt over the past 12 years, compared to similar nonpreconditioned calves.
As you’re contemplating the future impact of today’s genetic decisions, consider the marketability of both feeder calves and potential replacement heifer progeny.
While genetic selection and feeding decisions play a large role in the quality of beef product reaching consumers’ plates, a number of studies show cattle health is also a key factor affecting carcass quality.
The best way to engage with Certified Angus Beef is by raising cattle that qualify for the brand. CAB shares ways producers focused on raising high-quality beef can be more connected with the brand.
The CAB carcass cutout price has remained resilient into the middle of December, giving up only $5.41/cwt. or 1.9% in the past month.
Cattle feeders capitalized on a tighter supply of market-ready cattle last week, while packers came back with sharply higher bids as they competed to own inventory needed to fulfill boxed beef sales commitments.
Today’s weekly slaughter is much more robust than in 2015 and cattle supplies are at least adequate for the short term. Yet fed cattle numbers will certainly tighten as we move into 2023 due to the shrinking cow herd.
Global demand for U.S. beef has been robust in 2022, providing increased value for both cattle producers and processors that export beef.
While dairy producers are rapidly embracing the concept of using beef semen to freshen their cows, the resulting crossbred calves are proving both a valuable opportunity and a challenge for the U.S. beef industry.
Through a consistent premium beef experience, the CAB brand provides economic incentives to cattlemen up and down the supply chain. The brand has adjusted the hot carcass weight (HCW) maximum to 1,100 pounds.
Low-stress cattle handling methods have been discussed and promoted for many years, but could implementing low-stress handling techniques influence animal performance and improve your bottom line?
At the conclusion of our fiscal year it’s exciting to report the rebuilding of CAB product sales following two challenging supply years.
There are huge differences in the value of carcasses as determined by USDA quality grades that result in enormous opportunities for cattlemen. It’s a direct result of industry focus on consumer demand for quality beef.