Monday Market Sentiment: Beef sales stimulate cash trade

A survey of cattle-industry leaders suggests the average price for cash cattle will turn around from recent losses. Experts predict this week’s cash trade will increase 42 cents to $122.54 per cwt as spring weather improves beef demand.

The Monday Market Sentiment is a forecast of the upcoming weekly cash trade (5-Area weighted average price) prices reported by the USDA. This week’s prices ended a short run lower where cash prices fell $4.70 over the previous two weeks. Last week the USDA announced that cash trade for the week was 122.12, a 22 cent increase from the previous week.

Negative perceptions of ground beef hurt the cattle market over the past two weeks, but a small improvement in cash trade last week and warmer weather and grilling season gives traders a positive outlook. Beef prices ended last week on an upswing, leading some to expect grocers to provide grilling specials. Another week of higher beef prices is needed to signal an uptrend. Lower corn prices could ease input costs for feedlot operators.

Each week the Cattle Trader Center, on behalf of Vance Publishing, awards a $100 gift certificate from Cabela's to the industry leader whose forecast comes closest to the 5-Area cash trade number reported by the USDA. The most recent winner was Ryan Loseke, Loseke Feedyards.

1. Ag commodities were mixed Friday morning
2. YSA members gain insight into agribusiness, retail industries
3. Meat industry associations quick to attack the new MCOOL rule
4. Team up against bovine respiratory disease
5. Oil prices pare losses on U.S. equities turnaround
6. Future of food discussion with Agriculture Secretary

1. Former Eastern Livestock CEO, CFO sentenced for federal crimes
2. Post-tornado composting a solution for disposal of dead livestock
3. Michigan hay buyers should plan purchases early
4. More beef cows in worst drought regions than a year ago
5. TSCRA works with sale barns to catch Houston cattle thief
6. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming

1. Commentary: In praise of animal foods
2. Commentary: GMOs: How do I hate thee?
3. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
4. What’s on America’s grill this weekend?
5. White House urges Senate to cut crop insurance in farm bill
6. NASA backs 3D food printer to feed growing population