Packer
A tentative agreement between Cargill and its unionized workers at the High River, Alberta, beef processing plant has been reached, avoiding a possible strike on December 6, 2021.
Packers have margin to spread back upstream to the feedlot sector at their discretion, and it appears that their need to fulfill orders for high-quality product for upcoming holidays is likely a motivating factor.
Cargill has served notice of a lockout for employees at its High River, Alberta, beef plant if the company and union employees do not reach an agreement before a December 6, deadline.
The week before a holiday is not usually ideal for pushing the market higher, but last week proved to be just the right combination to support a rally.
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association welcomes American Foods Group’s plans to build a new, 2,400-head per day beef processing facility in the Show-Me state.
Warren County, Missouri, has been selected by American Foods Group (AFG) as the planned location for a new state-of-the-art beef processing facility, pending final approval.
The cash fed cattle market found its way higher again last week, with four or more packers in the market all fighting for cattle every week for the first time in two years.
United Food and Commercial Workers union is asking for reasonable wage increases along with assurances for the health and safety of workers.
Last week cattle feeders found themselves in an environment they had not seen since August of 2019. Four packers were in the market competing for the cattle that were available on the list.
Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS SA says it will use Bovaer, a feed additive to reduce methane emissions in its global supply chains.
A small meat processing facility is gearing up for a big expansion—and the potential to make waves in the national livestock processing scene. Republic Foods expects to quadruple production by the end of the year.
Tyson Foods announced a one-time assistance payments to cattle feeders “in an effort to demonstrate our commitment and support of our valued cattle suppliers.”
Significantly reduced slaughter levels brought the full weight of the COVID-19 crisis to bear on cattle markets this week as cash cattle prices declined and boxed beef prices spiked to record highs.
While any tally of cattle waiting on shackle space is – at best – an estimate, an analysis of Cattle on Feed and slaughter data suggests estimates of 1 million cattle backlogged may be overstated by as much as 50%.
Two of America’s largest beef packing companies have announced plant closings due to COVID-19. One in effect until April 20 and one until April 24. The plants have a combined harvest capacity of 6,500 cattle per day.
In testimony before the House Ag Committee, the Meat Institute said the current labor shortage is a significant factor driving U.S. food prices higher.
Cow and bull slaughter for 2021 continues outpacing last year’s totals, and cow processing plants are operating at higher capacity utilization levels than fed cattle plants.
Cattlemen considering making the leap into ownership of a packing plant should consider how their risk profile dramatically changes with labor, trucking, and the cost of building and retaining markets.
Cash fed cattle prices moved higher last week with all packers participating. This week cattle feeders will look to keep the momentum going.
Cash fed cattle prices finally broke out of a weeks-long rut, trading $2 to $4 higher in all regions. This week saw the highest prices of the year and the highest average since 2019.
Sustainable Beef LLC, the Nebraska firm that announced plans to build a 1,500-head per day beef slaughter facility in North Platte, will seek $21.5 million in tax increment financing (TIF) from the city.
Cargill has closed its processing plant in Hazelton, PA, which employs 900 workers, indicating it will reopen when “it is safe” to do so.
Total 2019 meat production in the U.S. is currently projected to reach another record level of 103.3 billion pounds, up 1.3 percent year over year.
A bipartisan letter was sent the FTC to investigate the growing concentration in the meatpacking and processing industry, and any anticompetitive behavior resulting from this concentration.
Tyson Foods has achieved a 96% vaccination rate for COVID-19 among its 120,000 American workers.
Packers were willing to take a little lower grading animal last week, but cattle feeders may have a limited window to get those undesirable cattle market before larger supplies appear on showlists.
Market-ready cattle numbers decline with little affect on prices, signaling supplies remain ample compared to slaughter capacity. Cattle on feed numbers were lower versus year-ago for the first time in 16 months.
Texas Tech researchers have received a grant to examine if thermography can help minimize the use of antimicrobials in cattle through targeted metaphylaxis.
Greater Omaha Packing announces a partnership with Food Bank for the Heartland to routinely donate high-quality beef, providing nutritious protein for residents in Omaha and Western Iowa communities.
Cash cattle trade looked to be a repeat of the last several weeks with packers grudgingly upping bids. It was not a huge increase, but it is a sign that the number of front-end cattle available is becoming shorter.