Date: May 10 2023
| CAB InsiderCurrent carcass values are being underpinned by positive price moves from several carcass cuts, and we’ve just named a few. The classic spring price rally from ribs is in a counter-seasonal pattern and strips are modestly sideways. End users are seeking value items to partially offset shorter supplies and higher prices.
Date: Apr 26 2023
| CAB Insider & Targeting the BrandAs you’re contemplating the future impact of today’s genetic decisions, consider the marketability of both feeder calves and potential replacement heifer progeny. There are plenty of sires that excel in EPD rankings for a variety of maternal, production and carcass traits to advance the goals of the cow-calf and feedyard sectors.
Date: Mar 08 2023
| CAB InsiderFeed cattle carcass weights have tracked a decidedly lower course this winter with the steer/heifer mix 18 lb. lighter since January 1. Winter weather has left a lasting mark on feedyard performance this season as feed efficiency has slipped away and industry production pounds followed lower.
Date: Feb 22 2023
| CAB InsiderWhile there are several styles of contracts represented in the library perhaps the take-home message is that there are fewer mysteries within the library than one may have thought. Carcass outcomes are widely emphasized in the contract mix and quality is the largest driver of premiums and discounts.
Date: Feb 08 2023
| About the brand & Cattle Markets & Consumer Connection & Consumer Feature & Premium PotentialIf there was a lesson in 2022, it was that the beef market is very sensitive to declines in quality grade, as evidenced through price signals. It’s the first time in recent history where we’ve gone backwards — albeit ever so slightly — and customers are telling us they have unfulfilled demand. That’s reflected in the premiums paid, and that’s saying something after two years of extremely high premiums.
Date: Feb 08 2023
| CAB InsiderWith beef supplies tighter this year, year-to-date supplies are only fractionally smaller than a year ago. Yet the second quarter promises rapid tightening of fed cattle availability just as spring grilling demand will ramp up. Cattle supplies will be the opposite of robust, and boxed beef values will reflect it with sharp upward moves.
Date: Jan 26 2023
| CAB InsiderAmong cattlemen who understand the math to determine the price for a set of feeder cattle, the question becomes: “How are these feeder cattle bringing so much money?” Mind you, it depends a lot on one’s perspective and sector as to whether or not this conversation comes up. After all, prices are highly variable, as are cattle and regional supply/demand dynamics.
Date: Jan 11 2023
| CAB Insider & Premium PotentialDiving into 2023, the much-discussed beef cow herd culling comes home to roost, bringing on a supply challenge for the beef industry. Everyone downstream from the packer needs to be prepared to see more frequent, potentially wider price spreads for quality within the shrinking supply setting.
Date: Dec 14 2022
| CAB InsiderFed cattle prices found a stable range in the past three weeks after making the $3/cwt. upward leap the week of Thanksgiving. Last week’s negotiated cash trade was on a smaller weekly head count and packers kept a lid on the upward price momentum.
Date: Nov 30 2022
| CAB InsiderFourth quarter demand for premium quality grade beef carcasses is predictably high. End users—grocery stores in particular—place orders several weeks ahead of the December timeline to fulfill holiday middle-meat needs. Prime grade carcass supplies have disappointed throughout the year with 11.2% fewer total pounds of Prime carcasses acquired so far.
