Sows

Profit Tracker: Feeder, Packer Margins Ugly

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

The pain eased somewhat for cattle feeders last week, but losses remain more than $170 per head.

Cash cattle prices rallied $2 per cwt., with the 5-area direct cash price at $163.45. That was well below the average breakeven price of $176.67, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . Still, average feeding margins were about $40 per head better than the previous week when feedyards lost $212 per head. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $247 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended about 50 cents per cwt. lower to $245.86, and packer margins declined more than $14 per head, resulting in losses of $48 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped nearly $10 per head, producing losses of $15.46 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was about $2.50 per head lower compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $96 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were making $65, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $7 per head, with profits now at $5 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $12 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $65 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Losses Exceed $200

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

It was another ugly week for cattle feeders. Despite steady cash cattle prices, average losses jumped another $60 per head, leaving closeouts with $212 losses. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $161.26, well below the average breakeven price of $177.60, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $246 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended $2 per cwt. lower to $246.33, and packer margins declined more than $37 per head, resulting in losses of $33 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped nearly $5 per head, producing losses of $5.54 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up about $6 per head compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $99 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were making $74, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $5 per head, with losses now at $1.83 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $10 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $50 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Packers In The Black, Feedyard Margins Ugly

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

Beef packers put away the red ink last week as they turned modest profits on every animal processed. Feedyard margins, however, slipped a little further away from positive.

Despite a near $3 per cwt. gain in cash cattle prices last week, feedyard losses increased about $3 per head, leaving average per head losses at more than $153. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $161.34, well below the average breakeven price of $173.13, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $233 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended more than $3 per cwt. higher to $248.33, helping packer margins improve more than $20 per head, resulting in profits of $3.94 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped nearly $8 per head, producing losses of nearly $1 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up about t$5 per head compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $7 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $55, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins slip $2 per head, with losses now at $6 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $12 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $47 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Plunge Lower

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

Cattle feeding margins declined $45 per head last week, leaving average per head losses at more than $77. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $161.74, up more than $1 from the previous week, but still below the average breakeven price of $167.67, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $209 on every animal sold.

A $2.50 per cwt. decline in the boxed cutout price drove packer margins $45 per head lower, leaving losses at $99 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins declined $14 per head, dropping closeouts to $1.23 in the red. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was $8 per cwt. higher than the previous week, while the total costs for the animal and feed was $56 per head lower. Feeder cattle represent nearly 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 69% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $12 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $83, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $4 per head, with profits now at $15 per head.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $20 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $26 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Margins Improve, Remain Negative

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

The financial pain of feeding cattle eased again last week, but losses remain more than $125 per head.

Cash cattle prices rallied $2 per cwt., with the 5-area direct cash price at $165.77. That was well below the average breakeven price of $176.68, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . Still, average feeding margins were about $43 per head better than the previous week when feedyards lost $172 per head. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $242 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended about $2 per cwt. higher to $248.13, and packer margins improved about $2 per head, resulting in losses of $46 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped more than $1 per head, producing losses of $17 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was about $12 per head lower compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent about 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $17 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were making $32, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $2 per head, with profits now at $7 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $71 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeder, Packer Margins Improve

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

The pain eased somewhat for cattle feeders last week, but losses remain more than $97 per head.

Cash cattle prices rallied $2 per cwt., with the 5-area direct cash price at $167.41. That was well below the average breakeven price of $174.92, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . Still, average feeding margins were about $30 per head better than the previous week when feedyards lost $129 per head. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $223 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended about $5.40 per cwt. higher to $253.57, and packer margins improved more than $15 per head, resulting in losses of $40 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped more than $4 per head, producing losses of $21.23 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was about $3 per head lower compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $4 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $36, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins decline $5 per head, with profits now at $2 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $17 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $70 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeder Margins Tumble Again

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

Cattle feeding margins took another turn south last week after a nearly $4 per cwt. decline in fed cattle prices. Cattle feeders lost an average of $190 per head last week, about $35 more than losses recorded the previous week.

Cash cattle prices declined nearly $4 per cwt., with the 5-area direct cash price at $160.59. That was well below the average breakeven price of $175.23, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $176 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended about $1 per cwt. higher to $257.45, and packer margins improved more than $50 per head, resulting in average profits of $28 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved nearly $4 per head, producing losses of $10.67 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was unchanged compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $48 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $60, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins decline $6 per head, with losses of about $6 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $54 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Losses Exceed $200 Per Head

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

Cattle feeding margins took another tumble last week after a $1 per cwt. decline in fed cattle prices. Cattle feeders lost an average of $207 per head, about $17 more than losses recorded the previous week.

The 5-area direct cash cattle price declined $1 per cwt. to $159.58. That was well below the average breakeven price of $175.50, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $180 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices traded nearly equal to the previous week at $257.50, and packer margins improved more than $30 per head, resulting in average profits of $65 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved about $2.50 per head, producing losses of $8.14 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up only slightly compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $55 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $24, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $2 per head, with losses of about $4 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $51 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Put On Lipstick

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

Cattle feeders added a little powder and lipstick to closeouts this week, but the ugly continues to shine through. Modest gains in the cash market produced a $35 per head improvement to feedyard margins, but losses remained near $173 per head.

The 5-area direct cash cattle price increased $1 per cwt. to $161.72, but that was well below the average breakeven price of $174.94, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $216 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices traded $0.43 lower than the previous week at $254.33, and packer margins declined $20 per head, resulting in average profits of $24 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved more than $14 per head, producing profits of $21 per head compared to profits of just $7 per head last week. Negotiated lean hog carcass prices improved $6.19 per cwt. to $79.34. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up only slightly compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 74% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $22 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $47, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins erode $2 per head, with losses of about $16 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $34 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Margins Remain In ICU

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:49 GMT

Last week saw dramatic improvement in cattle feeding margins, yet triple-digit losses remain. Feedyard closeouts were $71 per head better than the week before, leaving losses at $112 on every animal sold.

The 5-area direct cash cattle price was $159.54 per cwt., well below the average breakeven price of $168.22, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $157 per head.

Beef cutout prices traded $1 per cwt. higher than the previous week at $260.47, and packer margins improved $22 per head, resulting in average profits of nearly $88 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved more than $3 per head, producing profits of $31 per head. Negotiated lean hog carcass prices declined $0.96 per cwt. to $81.69. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was down $12 per cwt. compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 79% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $65 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $20, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $10 per head, bringing the estimated margins back to near breakeven. Cash prices for fed cattle are $14 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $29 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Slip Further

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:49 GMT

A $6 per head decline in cattle feeding margins is tolerable, unless you were already losing $112. Feedyard closeouts finished last week $118 in the red as the 5-area direct cash price fell about 25-five cents per cwt. to $159.30. That’s well below the average breakeven price of $168.41 per cwt., according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $165 per head.

Beef cutout prices traded nearly $4 per cwt. lower than the previous week at $256.73, and packer margins tumbled $20 per head, resulting in average profits of nearly $67 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved about 25 cents per head, producing profits of $31 per head. Negotiated lean hog carcass prices also increased about 25 cents per cwt. to $81.94. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was unchanged compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 78% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $44 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $61, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins decline $2 per head, leaving them with losses of slightly more than $2 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $14 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $41 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Losses Back To Triple Digits

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:49 GMT

Cattle feeding margins took two steps back last week as cash cattle prices hover around what producers hope are the summer lows. Feedyard closeouts revealed a $108 per head loss last week, significantly poorer than the previous week’s loss of just $11 on every animal shipped, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker .

Choice steer prices closed at $151 per cwt., nearly steady with the previous week. A $10 per cwt. decline in beef cutout values slashed beef packer operating margins by $107 per head. The cutout closed Friday at $241.57, and the result was packer operating margins at $33 per head.

Feedyard margins have improved in recent weeks, and just a month ago feeders were losing $270 per head. The improvement is due to significantly lower costs attached to the feeder cattle calculated against closeouts. Feeder cattle were priced into last week’s ledger at $10 per cwt. lower than a month ago. Feeder cattle represent 78.3 % of the cost of finishing a steer, significantly higher than last year’s 72.8%. A year ago feedyards were showing a profit of $302 per head.

A month ago beef packers were earning $34 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $53, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $25 per hog last week, $5 better than the previous week, and steady with a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins decline $7 to a negative $7.55 per head. Pork packer margins hovered near the breakeven mark for several weeks before last week’s decline. Cash prices for fed cattle are $5 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $53 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Packers, Feeders Both In The Red

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:49 GMT

Cattle feeders and beef packers are hoping the price lows are in for the summer as both operated at a loss last week. Cattle feeding margins showed a slight improvement, yet per head losses remained more than $105. Packer margins declined nearly $50 per head, leaving packers with a $16 loss on every animal processed, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker .

Choice steer prices declined $3 per cwt. last week to close at $147.89 per cwt. Feedyard closeouts were aided, however, by a $5 per cwt. decline in the price of feeder steers measured against last week’s marketings. Packer margins were hit hard by a $7.26 per cwt. decline in the beef cutout price.

While triple-digit feeding losses are common, feedyard margins are improved $150 per head from a month ago, chiefly due to the $23 per cwt. lower feeder cattle prices on last month’s closeouts. Feeder cattle represent 78 % of the cost of finishing a steer, still significantly higher than last year’s 73%. A year ago feedyards were showing a profit of $280 per head.

A month ago beef packers were earning $86 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $68, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $23 per hog last week, $2 per head lower than the previous week and a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins improve $3 per head from a $7 loss to a $4 loss per head. Pork packer margins hovered near the breakeven mark for several weeks before a $7 decline two weeks ago. Negotiated prices for lean hogs was $78.84 per cwt. last week, down slightly from $79.63 the previous week.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $8 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $53 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $658 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: No Relief In Sight

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:46 GMT

Already facing steep losses, cattle feeders saw their margins decline further in a dismal pre-Labor Day market. Cash fed cattle prices were $3 lower at $141.97, leaving feedyards with losses exceeding $270 per head, $49 more than the previous week, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Beef packers saw their margins improve another $12 per head with average per head profits now at $115. The beef cutout declined $3 per cwt. to $238.95.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $46 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $222 per head, according to Sterling Marketing . Feeder cattle represent 79% of the cost of finishing a steer, significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were losing $5 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $30, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $12 per hog last week, a decline of $8 per head from the previous week and down $9 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins improve $6 per head to $18. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $71.40, per cwt. last week, down $4.20 per cwt. from the previous week.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $20 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $26 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $606 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $490 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Can It Get Any Worse?

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:46 GMT

Unfortunately, yes. Cattle feeding margins took another nosedive last week after cash fed cattle prices tumbled another $3 to $4 per cwt. to settle at $135.19. Feedyard closeouts saw another $52 added to losses already exceeding $300 per head. Calculations by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore., put average cattle feeding losses at $357 per head last week as feedyards ordered another barrel of red ink.

Beef packers saw their margins decline $12 per head with average profits now at $129. The beef cutout declined more than $6 per cwt. to $230.12.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $127 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $186 per head, according to Sterling Marketing. Feeder cattle represent 79% of the cost of finishing a steer, significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $84 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $10, Sterling Marketing estimates .

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $11 per hog last week, an increase of $4 per head from the previous week and down $14 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins decline $6 per head to $16. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $69.78, per cwt. last week, an increase of $1 per cwt. from the previous week. Cash prices for fed cattle are $22 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $36 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $546 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $440 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Another Ugly Week

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:46 GMT

With cash fed cattle prices tumbling $6 per cwt. last week an increase in cattle feeding losses was certain. The only positive – if it can be called a positive – was that average per head losses only increased $3 to total a whopping $360 per head, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. Cash cattle averaged $129.29 for the week, fully $16 per cwt. lower than a month ago.

Beef packer margins dropped by nearly a third as the beef cutout declined $12 per cwt. Packer margins were pegged at $81 per head compared to $129 the previous week.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $221 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $138 per head, according to Sterling Marketing . Feeder cattle represent 79% of the cost of finishing a steer, significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $102 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $38, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $15 per hog last week, an increase of $4 per head from the previous week and down $5 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins decline $3 per head to $13. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $71.14, per cwt. last week, an increase of $1.36 per cwt. from the previous week. Cash prices for fed cattle are $28 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $38 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $506 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $526 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $372 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Slip

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:46 GMT

Cattle feeding margins took another tumble last week as cash fed cattle prices declined $2.40 per cwt. Feedyard closeouts show average losses of $156 per head last week, or roughly $50 per head worse than the week before. Packers saw their margins improve $13 per head, leaving them with a loss of $1.61 on every animal processed, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker .

Choice steer prices closed at $145.50 per cwt., a $3 per cwt. decline from the previous week. Closeouts were also negatively impacted by a $3 per cwt. increase in the price of feeder cattle calculated against last week’s marketings. Packer margins were held in the red by another $2 per cwt. decline in the beef cutout price.

Feedyard margins are roughly at the same point as a month ago, yet they are more than $500 below last year’s average profit of $357 per head. Feeder cattle represent 78 % of the cost of finishing a steer, still significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $155 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $73, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $22 per hog last week, steady with the previous week and a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins improve $7 per head from a $4 loss to a $3 per head profit. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $77.39 per cwt. last week, down $1.45 from the previous week.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $18 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $55 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $658 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Packer, Feeding Margins Rebound

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:46 GMT

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 . Choice steer prices traded $2 per cwt. higher at $147.53 per cwt., which reduced feedyard losses from $156 per head to $68 per head. Packers moved from a $1 per head loss to a $21 per profit per head.

Closeouts were also positively impacted by a $7 per cwt. decrease in the price of feeder cattle calculated against last week’s marketings. Packer margins were aided by the first increase in the beef cutout in two months, though the gain was less than a dime per cwt. to $232.02.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing just $11 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $354 per head, according to Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. Feeder cattle represent 78 % of the cost of finishing a steer, still significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $141 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $93, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $20 per hog last week, down $2 from the previous week and a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins improve $3 per head $6 per head profit. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $77.65 per cwt. last week, up 26 cents per cwt. from the previous week.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $15 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $50 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $606 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Losses Under $50

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:46 GMT

A $4 per cwt. rally in cash fed cattle prices reduced losses for fed cattle to less than $50 per head last week. The $46 per head average losses last week marked a $22 per head improvement over the previous week, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing , Vale, Ore. Choice steer prices averaged $151.83 per cwt., a $4.30 per cwt. advance.

Beef packers saw their margins drop $18 per head from a $12 profit per head to a $6 loss.

Closeouts were hampered by a near $5 per cwt. gain in the price of feeder cattle calculated against last week’s marketings. Packer margins were aided by a $1.50 per cwt. gain in the beef cutout.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $108 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $284 per head, according to Sterling Marketing. Feeder cattle represent 78 % of the cost of finishing a steer, still significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $35 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $108, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $21.57 per hog last week, up $1 from the previous week and down $3 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins improve $6 per head to a $12 per head profit. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $77.48 per cwt. last week, down 17 cents per cwt. from the previous week.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $9 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $46 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $606 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $490 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Packer Margins Surge

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:46 GMT

Beef packers saw their margins jump $51 per head higher last week, ending with profits more than $83. Cattle feeders saw their margins dip further into the red with losses of $127 per head, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. Choice steer prices declined $3 per cwt to $147.55.

Packers’ improving margins were due to the lower cash cattle trade and a $2.80 per cwt. rally in the beef cutout price.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $156 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $162 per head, according to Sterling Marketing . Feeder cattle represent 78 % of the cost of finishing a steer, still significantly higher than last year’s 72%.

A month ago beef packers were losing $4 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $120, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $25 per hog last week, up $2 from the previous week and up $3 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins decline nearly $4 per head to a $10 per head profit. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $78.02 per cwt. last week, up 36 cents per cwt. from the previous week.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $6 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $22 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $606 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $490 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Plummet

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:46 GMT

Cattle feeding losses nearly doubled last week as cash fed cattle prices declined another $2 per cwt. Feedyard closeouts recorded average losses of $221.04 per head last week, $94 more than the previous week, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. Choice steer prices dipped to $145.29 per cwt.

Beef packers saw their margins reach an average of $101 per head, up from $82 profits the previous week. The beef cutout declined $2 per cwt. to $145.29.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $68 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $172 per head, according to Sterling Marketing . Feeder cattle represent 78 % of the cost of finishing a steer, still significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $13 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $80, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $20 per hog last week, a decline of $5 per head from the previous week and down $8 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins remain steady at $11 per head. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $75.63 per cwt. last week, down $2.61 per cwt. from the previous week.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $10 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $19 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $606 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $490 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Losses Now Exceed $600!

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:43 GMT

Uncharted territory. That’s where America’s cattle feeding industry finds itself as fed cattle lose $611 per head. Calculated breakeven prices on closeouts last week were $170.56 per cwt., according to Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. USDA’s reported 5-area cash price last week was $123.52 per cwt., or $47.04 short of breakeven.

“This unbalanced situation cannot be sustained in a market that will see 4% more beef, continued record pork production, and a likely 4% increase in chicken production during 2016,” says Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka. “Prices are aligning to a changed supply situation. Cattle weights will remain relatively high during 2016 with increased numbers as herds expand. While hog producer margins have turned red with significantly lower lean carcass values, this is not likely to cause a setback in continued herd expansion through most of 2016. Poultry production will increase, too. The result will be increased total meat supplies and lower prices and it will be noticeable for beef after 2 years of record prices, although prices are expected to generally remain above 2013 levels.”

The ongoing market wreck has pulled feeder cattle prices significantly lower. Oklahoma City feeder steer prices factored into Sterling Marketing’s sample closeout against last week’s fed cattle was $225.79 per cwt. The same steers factored into last week’s placements at $172 per cwt., or $461 per head less.

Beef packer margins increased $9 per head, resulting in average profits of $28 on every animal processed. Packer margins are about $1 per head better than last month.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $486 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $45 per head, according to Sterling Marketing . Feeder cattle represent 79% of the cost of finishing a steer, compared to 78% last year.

A month ago beef packers were earning $27 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $78, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers lost $26 per hog last week, slightly better than the $30 per head loss the previous week, but slightly lower than the $20 per head loss found a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins decline $2 to a profit of $27 per head. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $54.66 per cwt. last week, an increase of $1.59 per cwt. from the previous week. Cash prices for fed cattle are $43.25 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $33.31 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $490 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $526 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $295 per cow.

Profit Tracker: A River Of Red Ink Flows

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:43 GMT

It’s been a rough fall for cattle feeders, but cowboys found some signs last week that suggest the worst may be behind them. Cash fed cattle prices increased an average of $7 per cwt., with last week’s 5-area-average of $125.66. Closeouts remain rather ugly, with average per head losses of $474, but that’s a $75 per head improvement over the previous week, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing, Inc. , Vale, Ore. Beef packer margins improved $16 per head to $114.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $305 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $227 per head, according to Sterling Marketing. Feeder cattle represent 79% of the cost of finishing a steer, significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $142 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $40, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $19 per hog last week, an increase of $4 per head from the previous week and up $7 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins improve $1 per head to $19. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $73.43, per cwt. last week, an increase of $0.58 per cwt. from the previous week. Cash prices for fed cattle are $38 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $36 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $490 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $526 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $277 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Catastrophic Feedyard Losses

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:43 GMT

Cattle feeders hope the cash market found its bottom last week. Cash prices tumbled another $11 per cwt., which produced an astonishing drop in margins that has the industry in turmoil and some on the brink of financial collapse.

Cash fed cattle prices for the 5-area direct steers averaged $117.79 last week, and the result was a $190 per head increase in cattle feeding losses for a total per head loss of $550, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. Cash cattle prices have declined $24 per cwt. over the past month. Beef packer margins increased $14 per head to $99.40.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $270 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $200 per head, according to Sterling Marketing . Feeder cattle represent 79% of the cost of finishing a steer, significantly higher than last year’s 73%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $118 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $60, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $19 per hog last week, an increase of $4 per head from the previous week and up $7 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins improve $1 per head to $14. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $72.85, per cwt. last week, an increase of $1.71 per cwt. from the previous week. Cash prices for fed cattle are $42 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $38 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $506 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $526 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $372 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Simply Worse

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:43 GMT

The adjectives have all been used to describe the despair that is cattle feeding. Last week was simply worse than the week before, which was a train wreck. Sterling Marketing, Inc., Vale, Ore., calculates average losses on fed cattle were $542 per head last week, $24 per head more than the week before.

Last week’s 5-area cash price was $125.79 per cwt., down $2.78 and $41.70 per cwt. short of breakeven.

The ongoing market wreck has pulled feeder cattle prices significantly lower. Oklahoma City feeder steer prices factored into Sterling Marketing ’s sample closeout against last week’s fed cattle was $225.83 per cwt. The same steers factored into last week’s placements at $173.94 per cwt., or $412 per head less.

Beef packer margins decreased $30 per head, resulting in average profits of $24 on every animal processed. Packer margins are about $10 per head better than last month.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $343 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $132 per head, according to Sterling Marketing. Feeder cattle represent 80% of the cost of finishing a steer, somewhat higher than last year’s 77%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $14 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $84, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers lost $32 per hog last week, down from losses of $20 per head last week, and down from profits of $14 per head a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins decline to a profit of $31 per head. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $52.90 per cwt. last week, a decrease of $0.83 per cwt. from the previous week. Cash prices for fed cattle are $45.60 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $35.69 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $490 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $526 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $277 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Breakevens Hit $170

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:43 GMT

Calculated breakeven prices for cattle shipped from feedyards last week were $170.12, according to Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. USDA’s reported 5-area average cash price last week was $126.82 per cwt., or $43.30 short of breakeven. That means cattle feeders lost an average of $562 per head last week, $20 per head more than the previous week.

The ongoing market wreck has pulled feeder cattle prices significantly lower. Oklahoma City feeder steer prices factored into Sterling Marketing’s sample closeout against last week’s fed cattle was $227.69 per cwt. The same steers factored into last week’s placements at $173.54 per cwt., or $437 per head less.

Beef packer margins decreased $3 per head, resulting in average profits of $19 on every animal processed. Packer margins are about $10 per head better than last month.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $320 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $144 per head, according to Sterling Marketing. Feeder cattle represent 80% of the cost of finishing a steer, somewhat higher than last year’s 77%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $10 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $84, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers lost $30 per hog last week, slightly better than last week’s loss of $32 per head last week, and down from profits of $1.50 per head a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins decline $2 to a profit of $29 per head. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $53.07 per cwt. last week, an increase of $0.17 per cwt. from the previous week. Cash prices for fed cattle are $44.78 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $35.39 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $495 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $526 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $290 per cow.

Profit Tracker: $40 Gains, Packers Slip

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:43 GMT

Last week’s $2.50 rally in the cash market was another step in the right direction, but closeouts remain $26.46 per cwt. short of break even. Cattle feeding margins improved $40 per head which left losses at $343, according to calculations by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Last week’s 5-area cash price was $136.69 per cwt., well short of the $163.15 per cwt. required to break even. Beef packer margins declined $37 per head, resulting in average profits of $13 on every animal processed. Packer margins have declined $70 per head in the past month.

A month ago cattle feeders were losing $360 per head, while a year ago profits were pegged at $213 per head, according to Sterling Marketing. Feeder cattle represent 79% of the cost of finishing a steer, significantly higher than last year’s 74%.

A month ago beef packers were earning $83 for every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $69, Sterling Marketing estimates.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers showed a profit margin of $14 per hog last week, a decrease of $3 per head from the previous week and up $1 from a month ago.

Pork packers saw their margins improve $2 per head to $23. Negotiated prices for lean hogs were $71.56, per cwt. last week, a decrease of $1.38 per cwt. from the previous week. Cash prices for fed cattle are $32 per cwt. lower than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $23 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $490 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $526 per cow. Cow-calf profits for 2016 are projected at $277 per cow.