Fed Cattle
Cattle traders were mildly surprised by USDA’s April cattle on feed report as both placements and the total on feed numbers came in higher than expected.
Change is inevitable, but what will the future hold for feedlot production?
The April Cattle on Feed report said placements into large feedlots during March were up 0.4% and marketings were down 1.7% compared to March 2014.
Hamburger demand has kept lean beef prices up, it has also kept cull cow and bull prices on the increase.
Producer expansion plans face challenges as U.S. grazing acres decline.
Beef imports are up, while exports of beef are down.
The average price of fresh beef in grocery stores was a record $6.079 per pound during March. That was up 6.2 cents from the previous record set the month before.
Stocker and backgrounding operations have been foaming at the mouth to secure the inventory needed to harvest spring grass.
This week’s fed cattle prices were the highest since early January.
Live cattle traded for $160 to $161 to end last week, while beef prices were up from the previous week.
Fewer cattle are on feed than what was projected, but domestic beef demand is up.
Cattle prices are up significantly from last year, while beef prices slide from last week.
A K-State study found the average corn particle size in Midwest finishing cattle diets.
K-State study examines economic implications of vaccinating cattle to prevent E. coli.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the number of cattle in Nebraska feedlots is up 2 percent over last year this month.
Fed cattle placements were up compared to the same time last year.
Cattle futures showing that prices may have been inflated the past few months.
Merck Animal Health and DVAuction, Inc., announced the most accurate and timely feeder cattle prices in real-time from one website.
For 2015, it looks like beef producers will see a slight drop off in the market, but profitability should remain high thanks to increasing global demand and lower input costs.
There’s a cheap technology, that’s not new and it can return a lot of money on your investment.
Decision tools for when to market fed cattle, risk management to protect price declines and health management for receiving calves highlight UW Extension Cattle Feeders Clinics Feb 9th though the 12th around Wisconsin.
The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University will offer several workshops focusing on choices in feedlot facilities in February and March 2015.
South Dakota feedlots with capacities of 1,000 or more animals reported 245,000 cattle on feed on Jan. 1, down 2 percent from last year.
High beef prices are here to stay for a while, as recent drought conditions in Texas and around the country have reduced the nation’s cattle supply to its lowest numbers in more than 50 years, according to agricultural experts.
Compared to pre-release estimates, USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report carried a neutral to bullish tone.
Industry-leading support offers a new calf management program.
The nine cow-calf producers who chose to retain ownership on their 137 steer calves last June instead of cashing in on them at $1350 to $1450 per head were rewarded with an early Christmas present.