Sterling Profit Tracker

Cattle feeding profits steady, packer margins improve
04/26/2011 6:00:00 AM
Cattle feeding profits held steady at more than $200 per head last week, as cash fed cattle prices were called steady to firm at $119 per hundredweight. FULL STORY »

Cattle feeding profits lower, packer margins in the red
04/19/2011 3:22:45 PM
Cattle feeding profits decreased more than $27 per head last week, as cash fed cattle prices declined $4 to $5 per hundredweight. FULL STORY »

Packer margins tumble on record cash trade
04/12/2011 1:12:18 PM
Packer margins dropped nearly $48 per head last week as cash cattle prices set a new record high price of $124 per hundredweight. FULL STORY »

Cattle feeding profits higher, packer margins decline
04/06/2011 9:48:26 AM
Cattle feeding profits increased more than $85 per head last week, as cash fed cattle prices spiked $8 to $10 per hundredweight higher. FULL STORY »

Feeding margins jump over $200 per head
03/23/2011 12:55:12 PM
Cattle feeding margins improved nearly $57 per head last week on higher cash prices, while packer margins were nearly steady. FULL STORY »

Packers, feeders enjoy profitable margins
03/23/2011 11:48:51 AM
Cattle feeding margins declined nearly $72 per head last week, while packer margins improved nearly $53 per head. FULL STORY »

Feeding margins continue higher with market rally
03/10/2011 9:00:57 AM
Cattle feeding margins improved nearly $35 per head last week on higher cash prices, and packer margins improved more than $8 per head. FULL STORY »

Cattle feeding margins continue to improve
02/28/2011 2:33:14 PM
Cattle feeding margins improved more than $8 per head last week on higher cash prices, but packer margins declined more than $13 per head. Feeding margins moved over the $150 per head profit level, while packer margins fell well below the breakeven mark. FULL STORY »

John Nalivka on cattle feeders posting strong returns Play video

02/28/2011 12:49:38 PM
Livestock industry consultant John Nalivka said his Sterling Beef Profit Tracker shows cattle feeders have recently been posting strong returns of around $100 per head, but margins will likely get slimmer because of high calf prices. The profit tracker, calculated weekly, reflects prices for choice-grade steers, feed, wholesale boxed beef and other factors. Nilivka spoke at the USDA’s annual Agricultural Outlook Forum Feb. 24-25 outside of Washington, D.C. FULL STORY »

Fed cattle jump to $111
02/28/2011 9:56:39 AM
Last week brought new highs to fed-cattle prices as demand for finished cattle continues to overrun supplies. USDA reports an average fed-steer price of $111 per hundredweight as of late Friday, with dressed steers averaging just under $180. FULL STORY »

Cattle feeding margins higher, packer margins drop
02/24/2011 8:38:13 AM
Cattle feeding margins improved more than $40 per head last week on higher cash prices, but packer margins declined more than $20 per head last week. Feeding margins neared the $50 per head profit level, while packer margins dipped well below the breakeven mark. FULL STORY »