Annual Quality Grade Low Marked
Date: Nov 24 2021
| CAB InsiderThe proportion of heifers versus steers in the weekly fed cattle mix is a key indicator of trends in U.S. beef cow herd shifts.
Posts by Paul Dykstra :
Prime sets sail
Date: Nov 10 2021
| CAB InsiderSince our September Insider report, the Prime grid premium has amazingly increased by an additional 50%. The latest $30.84/cwt. weighted average packer premium sets the record for the highest reported number in the report.
The Upside of Heavy Carcasses
Date: Oct 27 2021
| CAB InsiderOur analysis of several million head in 2019 and 2020 shows that increasing average carcass weights across each load lot returned a net benefit in carcasses qualifying for the CAB brand up to 900 lb.
Fall Factors to Test CAB Acceptance
Date: Oct 13 2021
| CAB InsiderAt the Feeding Quality Forum in August, the brand’s Meat Scientist Daniel Clark, Ph.D., and Director of Product Solutions Clint Walenciak pulled back the curtain on factors that limit eligible steers and heifers from qualifying for CAB.
Quality spreads press higher
Date: Sep 30 2021
| CAB InsiderStrong ribeye demand has had heavy influence on cattle values for feeders selling on a grid or carcass value formula. Just as Prime quality grade premiums held much higher than expected late this summer, the Choice/Select price spread has popped back up within reach of record territory once again in recent weeks.
Ribeye prices defying the seasonal trend
Date: Sep 15 2021
| CAB InsiderWhile the entire CAB carcass is charting new territory at record highs for this time of year, the price direction of ribeyes is defying the seasonal trend to an amazing degree.
Prime premiums double last year
Date: Sep 02 2021
| CAB InsiderLately the Prime grade has slipped down to 8.3% of the total, versus 9.5% a year ago. The reduced slaughter pace, combined with this lower Prime share, has prices heated up for the most premium quality grade.
Fundamentals point to bullish conditions
Date: Aug 18 2021
| CAB InsiderBeef demand continues at such a solid pace that it seemingly defies logic, with the CAB cutout value now 41% higher than a year ago. Beef buying ahead of Labor Day has proven stronger than high prices suggest it should be.
Quality grades lower, production factors shift
Date: Jul 28 2021
| CAB InsiderThis summer many of us have had our eyes on carcass weights, grading trends and days on feed as they relate to the fed cattle sector. These factors have been set on abnormal paths since the onset of the pandemic and accompanying backlog over a year ago.
Are carcass premiums supply or demand driven?
Date: Jul 07 2021
| CAB InsiderAt last, the perfect storm occurs. On average, annual peak demand for highly marbled middle meats happens at the same time that the supply of those carcasses is near annual lows.