Cattle markets and livestock economists are parsing through the latest cold storage numbers. University of Tennessee ag economist Andrew Griffith says there is some nuance needed when comparing the situation to last year.
Recent data continues to indicate any expansion in the cattle industry is months away.
Beef exports continue to run higher than a year ago, based on the latest data. University of Tennessee ag economist Andrew Griffith says a variety of factors are driving this.
After a midsummer rally, pork cutout values continue their seasonal decline.
The livestock industry continues to watch U.S. and China relations, and what it could mean for beef exports to China. In his “In the Cattle Markets” column for the Livestock Marketing Information Center, University of Nebraska Extension livestock economist Elliott Dennis says the issue has b…
Cattle markets continue to position themselves ahead of the expected decline in the number of cattle. Persistent drought in parts of the country is pushing cattle to market, and this will mean less available cattle down the line.
Hog prices continue to be strong.
While the seasonal expectation is for softer finished cattle and wholesale beef prices before an increase later in the year, the beginning of August provided a bit of a surprise. University of Tennessee ag economist Andrew Griffith says the first week of August saw finished cattle prices go up.
Declining hog slaughter and pork production this summer should come as no surprise to anyone.
Cow slaughter numbers have been higher this year due to a number of factors, but the rate is still somewhat surprising.
Market analysts are watching to see what impact hot, dry weather in much of the country will have for beef prices as well as fed cattle markets. University of Tennessee ag economist Andrew Griffith says the drought is impacting the supply side.
The latest USDA Hogs and Pigs report showed a small, mostly expected decline in hog inventories. The Livestock Marketing Information Center said the total hogs and pigs number was down just under a percent from the year before.
Analysts are watching trends in beef packer margins and what impact they could have for cattle markets in the second half of the year. University of Tennessee ag economist Andrew Griffith says while beef packer margins have been very good, they are starting to see them narrow.
Drought in major cattle-producing areas is starting to take a toll on feedlot numbers.
Wholesale beef prices have shown some seasonal trends. University of Tennessee ag economist Andrew Griffith says the buying is mostly finished for two big summertime meat consumption holidays.
Beef export values topped the $1 billion mark once again in April.
Hog prices have been holding mostly within the same window for the last few months, and analysts have been comparing how the recent trends look against other years. They are also looking at what factors will shape hog prices during the summer months.
Prices continue to be high for culled cows and bulls.
Last week’s USDA Cattle on Feed report indicated record high numbers on May 1.
With a large number of cattle on feed, analysts are watching to see what impact that might have for markets, both near-term and long-term. Andrew Griffith, University of Tennessee ag economist, says it may already be impacting prices.
Beef exports set another value record in March.
The latest Cattle on Feed report, from April, showed an increase in feedlot inventory due to a number of trends. Cattle on feed numbers have been over 12 million each month to begin 2022.
Cold storage supplies are getting better, but figures are still below the five-year average.
With grilling season drawing near, analysts are watching to see how beef and cattle markets respond, and what trends could take shape heading into summer. Andrew Griffith, ag economist with the University of Tennessee, says the Choice-Select spread has started to show its expected pattern.
Beef exports remained strong in February, while pork exports stayed below year-ago levels, according to an analysis from the U.S. Meat Export Federation.