Feedlot
U.S. beef imports were down 35.2% in December at 186.2 million pounds.
USDA’s January Cattle on Feed report said December placements were down 0.8% while marketings were up 1.1%.
Cattle prices rebounded this past week after a long slide downward.
The up and down stock market looks to impact beef demand.
This month’s cattle on feed report noted 2.6% more cattle in 1,000 head capacity feedlots than last August 1.
Consumer demand for livestock products continues to be important in determining the pressure on livestock prices in the coming months.
The semiannual cattle inventory report from USDA confirmed that beef cow expansion is continuing.
Beef imports are up, while exports have fallen.
Grilling season tends to bring on high beef prices, and this May was record breaker.
The May WASDE gave its first forecast of 2016 beef production and prices.
U.S. beef exports were down 6.6% in March. It was the sixth consecutive month with exports lower than last year.
USDA’s April cattle on feed report said the number of steers on feed was up 5.4% at the start of April while the number of heifers in large feedlots was down 10.1%.
Retail beef prices were record high for the third consecutive month during February.
Lower priced gas and more people working is a good thing for beef producers.
Record high beef and fed cattle prices are still the norm.
Thanks to consumer demand beef prices have been at record highs this summer.
Possible record corn crops are a good sign for beef producers.
Pasture values are increasing at a faster rate than cropland. The trend could continue with on-going profitability in the cattle market.
Pastures are in better condition this summer than anytime in past 10 years, that’s a good sign for herd rebuilding.
Consumer demand has continued to push the beef markets to new levels.
Boxed beef cutout prices set all-time highs this past week.
There are more cattle on feed in South Dakota now than last year.
New research into the use of beta agonists released this week raises concerns about the animal health and welfare of feedlot cattle.
U.S. feedlots bought 0.5 percent fewer cattle in December compared with a year earlier, the government said.