Feedyard
Steve Kay, Cattle Buyer’'s Weekly, provides insight to the August Cattle on Feed Report.
Steve Kay, of Cattle Buyer’'s Weekly, says today’s reports can be regarded as slighly positive.
Listen to audio analysis from these experts about USDA’s Cattle on Feed report.
USDA released its September Cattle on Feed report this afternoon. Listen to audio analysis from these experts.
Hear Ron Plain, University of Missouri economist, comment on USDA’s March Cattle on Feed report.
Hear Steve Kay, Cattle Buyers Weekly editor and publisher, comment on the January Cattle on Feed report.
Expert analysis of USDA’s Cattle on Feed report and what it means to producer marketing.
Listen to audio analysis from these experts about USDA’s Cattle on Feed report.
The last few weeks live cattle futures prices have dropped from the upper $90s to the lower $90s following Memorial Day, typically a time when retailers are expected to move more beef.
Given the significant decrease in plantings and the percentage of corn that has been planted late, corn price may continue to increase.
Muddy feedlot conditions common in 2019 lead to poor animal performance, some health issues, and increased odors as temperatures warm.
Cash cattle prices have declined for several weeks, and the looming question for feeders this week is if $115 is the bottom?
April placements of cattle on feed totaled 9% more than a year ago, with marketings 7% higher.
The basis will need to continue to narrow for feedyards to see significant cash cattle price improvement.
Last week brought continued pressure on the cash fed cattle market in all regions, and the result was prices $3 to $4 per cwt. lower.
This week’s market promises to be interesting as feeders must decide how they want to trade now that the cash-futures basis is more favorable to feeders.
Cash fed cattle prices finally turned higher in the south, following in the steps of the north to add $2 per cwt to the cash market.
Cattle on Feed estimates for April 1, 2019, were 2% higher than the same month a year ago.
Last week’s fed cattle market saw a wide variation in prices between the south and the north, with some feeders willing to sacrifice one set of cattle in order to get another set in.
U.S. feedlots with more than 500 cattle on feed increased in numbers 12% during the five year period between 2012 and 2017, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture.
Aaron Ogren, 30, of Exeter, Nebraska, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot.
Adverse weather has likely slowed cattle finishing somewhat but the slaughter totals across classes mostly reflect underlying herd dynamics.
Cash cattle trade was like a roller coaster ride with disappointing downs, and faith restoring gains for the north.
The downward movement in the market feels like it should be short lived, but is dependent on how willing producers are to fight for a price.
A softer cash fed cattle market leaves cattlemen wondering if the spring highs are in for 2019.
The south Texas beef packer formerly known as Kane Beef has reopened under the name of STX Beef.
USDA’s March 1 cattle on feed report estimated 1% more cattle in feedlots than the same period last year.
Many of the corporate yards in the south are loaded with market-ready cattle, which may reduce packer aggressiveness.
Joan Ruskamp reflects on her year as chairperson of the CBB and the value of the beef checkoff.