Economic Indicators: April 2010

Beef’s economic indicators moved significantly higher during March, with improving feedyard and packer margins. Five of the eight indicator arrows point higher, with only one pointing lower, according to Drovers’ monthly analysis. Cash cattle prices improved significantly during the month, leading several indicators higher. Production costs remain manageable with a gain of 1.44 for the steer-corn ratio. Feedyard margins gained more than $50 per head, and packer margins improved nearly $30 to end the month near breakeven. Sterling Marketing projections suggest April prices and profit margins will improve slightly over March. Competitive meats earned the month’s lone down arrow, with increasing pork and poultry production and higher retail prices.

1. Former Eastern Livestock CEO, CFO sentenced for federal crimes
2. Tyson sends disaster-assistance truck to Oklahoma
3. More beef cows in worst drought regions than a year ago
4. Forage Focus: Pay attention to hay moisture
5. Oil falls as Fed minutes send U.S. equities down
6. Smooth transitions

1. Post-tornado composting a solution for disposal of dead livestock
2. Michigan hay buyers should plan purchases early
3. Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
4. New animal identification rules aid disease traceability
5. Former Eastern Livestock CEO, CFO sentenced for federal crimes
6. Drought losses in Oklahoma top $400 million for 2012

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