Grimes and Plain
Cattle Outlook: Drought moves calves to feed yards early
The severe drought in the southern plains is pushing a lot of cows to slaughter and calves into feed yards. Over the last five weeks beef cow slaughter is up over 20% compared to a year ago.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: June beef exports up 19 percent led by Japan
International beef trade continues to be a big factor in this year's record cattle prices. During the first half of 2011, 10.3% of U.S. beef production was exported and imports equaled 8.1% of production.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: USDA forecasting drop in 2012 beef production
The August supply and demand report lowered USDA’s forecast of the 2011 corn crop by 556 million bushels and raised their corn price estimate to between $6.20 and $7.20 per bushel. They are predicting that for the first time ever, feed will not be the primary use for the U.S. corn crop.
FULL STORY »
Uneasiness about the economy is a real concern for the cattle industry
The financial markets captured all the attention this week as the President signed a bill to increase the debt ceiling, the stock market crashed, and the unemployment rate stayed above 9%.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: Calf crop predicted down for 16th year
USDA's July cattle inventory report said the midyear cattle inventory was down 1.1% compared to July 1, 2010 and predicted the 2011 calf crop would total 35.5 million head, down 0.5% from last year, down for the 16th consecutive year, and the smallest calf crop since 1950.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: Retail beef demand index climbs
Choice beef prices at retail averaged $4.809 per pound in June, down 6.3 cents from May, but up 31.8 cents from June 2010. The 5 area market price for steers averaged $107.20/cwt in June, down $3.10 from May, but $9.20 above June 2010.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: Beef exports above last year’s levels
During May U.S. beef exports were up 15% and beef imports were down 15% compared to a year earlier. The U.S. exported 11.0% of our May beef production while imports equaled 9.3% of production.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: Unemployment rate concerning for economy, beef demand
The U.S. unemployment rate rose for the third consecutive month reaching 9.2% in June. Non-farm payroll increased by only 18,000 during the month. This is obviously not good news for the economy or for meat demand.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: Cattle herd shrinking, prices higher
The weak economy, high corn prices, and drought in the southern plains are likely reasons for the continuing cattle herd decline.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: Fed cattle and boxed beef prices improve
Fed cattle prices were higher for the second week in a row. The 5-area daily weighted average price for slaughter steers sold through Thursday of this week on a live weight basis was $112.17/cwt, up $2.86 from last week.
FULL STORY »
Cattle Outlook: June COF placements drop 11%
USDA's June cattle on feed report said placements during May were down 10.8% compared to a year ago. May marketings from large feed yards were up 7.3%. The number of cattle on feed at the start of June was up 4.1% compared to the same day last year.
FULL STORY »
- Post-tornado composting a solution for disposal of dead livestock
- Michigan hay buyers should plan purchases early
- Seven jobs more dangerous than farming
- New animal identification rules aid disease traceability
- Former Eastern Livestock CEO, CFO sentenced for federal crimes
- Drought losses in Oklahoma top $400 million for 2012
