Fed Cattle
Summer brings bullish and bearish news in cattle markets.
The longer cattle continue to trade sideways the more explosive price movement could be.
Although beef, as a by-product of the dairy industry, rarely exhibits a major influence on dairy industry production decisions, it is important to note that dairy animals contribute a significant portion of total animal slaughter and beef supply.
Summer heat waves pose a serious danger to cattle in feedlots.
The impact of dairy on beef markets varies over time depending on long term trends and short term market conditions in both beef and dairy markets.
USDA released their June Cattle on Feed report this afternoon. It said there were 2.2% more cattle on feed than on June 1, 2015.
The effect of shade had no significant effect on body temperature or performance for cattle fed Zilmax or in the control group.
Feeding cost of gain is expected to drop for the remainder of 2016. Small net returns could be on the horizon for cattle finishers. Where are feeder cattle prices headed? Does it pay to retain ownership?
Will prices continue to decline, or will they trade steady or find support between May and October? That is a tough question at this point, but it is hard to imagine further significant declines at this time.
The latest numbers in the Cattle on Feed report were quite surprising, particularly with regard to placements.
More than half a century after its discovery, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) still wages war on cattle health and producers’ livelihoods.
USDA’s May Cattle on Feed report said there were 1.3% more cattle on feed than a year ago. April placements were up a surprising 7.5% and April marketings were up 1.2%.
It seems certain that herd expansion has slowed to a snail’s pace compared to one year ago, but from a historical standard, expansion is likely still moving at a fairly rapid clip.
Cattle on feed continues to increase, while drought conditions go away in the Northern and Southern Plains.
Industry experts attribute Australia’s slide in cattle on feed to record breaking prices witnessed in the country.
Monthly fed cattle net returns have been negative since December 2014. A few months ago, it appeared that we would climb above breakeven this spring. However, that was before the recent drop in fed cattle prices.
Recent changes in beef production have implications for the timing and possibly for total beef production for 2016.
Feeder futures have become increasingly volatile in ways that often appear unrelated to market fundamentals.
Cattle feeders and veterinarians should keep an eye out for E. coli O165:H25, an enterohemorrhagic strain that can cause disease in cattle and potentially poses a food-safety hazard for humans.
One of our best tools for increasing beef production is steroid implants. They’re also one of the most misunderstood technologies by consumers.
It appears herd expansion has tapered off as feedlots start to increase inventories with heifers.
As we move out of winter and into spring, prolonged periods of mud and moisture can significantly hinder cattle performance and profitability.
The latest Cattle on Feed report pegs March 1 feedlot inventories at 10.77 million head, 101 percent of year ago levels.
The latest Cattle on Feed report, released March 18th, was an interesting one, especially for placements. Placements have been, arguably, the most interesting number for many months.
A change in the composition of distillers grains could affect the percent inclusion in the feedlot diet and the resulting cattle performance.
Producers can be forgiven if they seem to be experiencing a case of déjà vu, as feeder and fed cattle prices are currently at about the same levels as in late 2013 after a 26-month rollercoaster ride in the markets.
Cattle make fewer trips to the feedbunk during muddy conditions which results in lower feed intake.
Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Question 6: In your experience, do you think a cow prefers consuming grass or corn?
Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems.
Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems.