Beef export sales, shipments post higher marks

U.S. beef export sales improved by eight percent last week with 1,198 metric tons of sales more than the week prior. The higher sales end three consecutive weeks of losses but the recent streak lower keeps the four-week average six percent lower than the previous week. Sales totaling 15,781 MT remain under the 27-week average. Higher beef sales were noted for Mexico (3,000 MT), Canada (2,300 MT), Hong Kong (1,900 MT), Egypt (1,800 MT) and South Korea (1,800 MT).

Beef export shipment also improved over the previous week. Shipments totaled 18,420 metric tons. The 415 MT improvement moved shipments higher for the third consecutive week, keeping the total for the week above the 27-week average. Higher shipments were boosted by exports to Japan (3,600 MT), Mexico (3,100 MT) and Canada (2,300 MT). South Korea received 2,100 metric tons of U.S. beef and Egypt received 1,600 MT.

REPORT THIS WEEK LAST WEEK DIFFERENCE   Sales 15,781 14,583 1,198 SALES 10 WEEKS 27 WEEKS THIS YEAR Average 17,069 17,356 17,764 High 20,349 52,009 52,009 Low 14,583 4,132 -9,660

1. Ag markets diverged widely Wednesday afternoon
2. Beef supplies in cold storage falling
3. Cattle on Feed numbers remain lower
4. Calculating the success of an A.I. program
5. Tyson sends disaster-assistance truck to Oklahoma
6. Ongoing wave of Calif. metal theft prompts further legislation

1. Michigan hay buyers should plan purchases early
2. Post-tornado composting a solution for disposal of dead livestock
3. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
4. New animal identification rules aid disease traceability
5. Drought losses in Oklahoma top $400 million for 2012
6. Survey reveals most Americans in favor of COOL

1. Commentary: In praise of animal foods
2. Meat and climate change: How significant is the impact?
3. Survey reveals most Americans in favor of COOL
4. Commentary: GMOs: How do I hate thee?
5. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
6. Boxed beef hits record highs, cattle weak to lower