Latest News From Marketing-Communications

This week marks the twelfth consecutive week that fed cattle prices have been below year ago prices. 

USDA slightly lowered their prediction of 2015 production of beef, pork, broilers and turkey. 

Already facing steep losses, cattle feeders saw their margins decline further in a dismal pre-Labor Day market. 

Nothing has slowed the fed cattle market’s price descent.

International trade continues to be a drag on the U.S. beef market as the strong dollar and high U.S. beef prices make the U.S. an attractive market to sell into, but a less appealing place to buy from.  

The beef industry in South Dakota makes a significant contribution to economic output and development in the state. 

Demand will be increasingly important as greater supply hits supermarket meat counters.

Cattle feeding losses nearly doubled last week as cash fed cattle prices declined another $2 per cwt. 

The negative global news of a slowing economy in China coupled with reduced beef supplies domestically has compounded struggles across the beef complex as well as across other commodities.

The up and down stock market looks to impact beef demand.  

Cash cattle prices took a drubbing this week with fed cattle prices $4 to $5 lower at $144 to $145 per cwt. Dressed sales were reported $4 to $6 lower at $228 per cwt.

Cow-Calf Cowboy College draws producers from 23 states.

Prices are expected to moderate on calves this fall which means a lower upfront investment when purchasing calves this year relative to one year ago.

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan includes strategies for a stronger industry.

Bow Creek Farms supplies Hershey Hotel with grass-fed beef.

Beef packers saw their margins jump $51 per head higher last week, ending with profits more than $83. 

This month's cattle on feed report noted 2.6% more cattle in 1,000 head capacity feedlots than last August 1. 

Cattle feeding losses jumped back into triple digits last week on softer fed cattle prices

Beef exports strong to Korea and Taiwan, but most markets lower year-over-year.

Cattle prices are up, but still behind last year's high water mark.

Currency devaluation in China this week is calling into question the strength of international beef demand that can be expected in the months to come.

Consumers talk with their disposable income, and the consumer continues to display their preference for beef.

A $4 per cwt. rally in cash fed cattle prices reduced losses for fed cattle to less than $50 per head last week.

The strong dollar and high U.S. beef prices are having a negative impact on U.S. international beef trade.

​The nation's beef cow herd has started down the path of the largest expansion in 25 years.

The summer months have resulted in softer prices for wholesale beef, finished cattle, feeder cattle, calves and slaughter cows.

Beef packer margins jumped into the black last week while cattle feeders saw their margins improve $88 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Consumer demand for livestock products continues to be important in determining the pressure on livestock prices in the coming months.

Commodities turned in their worst monthly performance since September 2011.

Cattle feeding margins took another tumble last week as cash fed cattle prices declined $2.40 per cwt.

Cow-herds are still expanding in the U.S.

The summer slide continues for beef and cattle.

The semiannual cattle inventory report from USDA confirmed that beef cow expansion is continuing.

Corn and soybean futures sharply extended their price pullback amid improved weather conditions and active fund selling.

Cattle feeders and beef packers are hoping the price lows are in for the summer as both operated at a loss last week.

Beef and fed cattle prices drop from last week.

The summer grilling season brought on a record price for fresh beef this June.

To retain ownership or to sell, that is the question.

After an encouraging performance in April, exports of U.S. beef lost momentum in May.

Cattle feeding margins took two steps back last week as cash cattle prices hover around what producers hope are the summer lows.

Hot temperatures may drive down prices for beef.

Beef imports are up, while exports have fallen.

Live cattle prices were up $2 to $3 from the previous week.

A much needed price rally helped cattle feeders erase a lot of red ink last week

The unemployment rate has dropped, a sign the economy might grow.

Beef packer profit margins continued to grow last week as the beef cutout jumped nearly $5 per cwt. and cash fed cattle prices declined another $2 per cwt.

Cattle prices fall while beef prices teeter-totter.

Freezer beef levels drop from previous month while cattle on feed sees a slight increase.

Normal may not apply to agriculture markets.

It was good to be a beef packer last week.