Prices push indicators higher

Feeder-cattle prices set record highs last month while cash fed-cattle prices approached record highs.

Feedyard profits remained above $100 per head, providing the beef industry with a strong economic outlook. Strong export demand remains a major contributor to beef’s price rally and supplies remain manageable. Packers are running in the black, which supports aggressive bidding on finished cattle. The U.S. economy is showing signs of strengthening which will help domestic demand. The biggest concern for cattle producers remains the volatility in the grain markets and rising production costs due to rising oil prices. The steer-corn ratio is at 16.4, the lowest since March 2008 when it was 17.28. It declined through June that year to a low of 14.6.

1. Vilsack: Taking time to remember the fallen
2. Livestock Marketing: Beef prices remain strong, cattle pressured
3. Farm Bill progress
4. Feeder cattle review: Choice beef prices keep rolling higher
5. Ag markets diverge just before the long holiday weekend
6. Armyworms eat fescue pastures, hayfields

1. Commentary: New rules un-COOL
2. Former Eastern Livestock CEO, CFO sentenced for federal crimes
3. TSCRA works with sale barns to catch Houston cattle thief
4. More beef cows in worst drought regions than a year ago
5. NASA backs 3D food printer to feed growing population
6. Post-tornado composting a solution for disposal of dead livestock

1. Commentary: New rules un-COOL
2. Commentary: In praise of animal foods
3. What’s on America’s grill this weekend?
4. NASA backs 3D food printer to feed growing population
5. Meat industry associations quick to attack the new MCOOL rule
6. Commentary: Message to Occupy Monsanto: Occupy yourself