USDA released its Cattle on Feed report today; the inventory of cattle in feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or more was 11.3 head, that is 102 percent of 1 August 2019, and a record for the month of August.
The report was bearish compared to the pre-report expectations and shows the symptoms (as we previewed yesterday) of the backlog of the COVID-related plant slowdowns, and the expanding drought conditions. Marketings came in as expected, but inventory was about 61,000 head more than expectations and placements were 188,000 head more than last year and more than 85,000 head greater than expectations. The pre-report estimates on placements came in with a wide range - from 102 percent of last year on the low end to 109 percent...
What You Need to Know Today: President Trump claimed the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was over, as both sides accused one another of violating the terms of the agreement. Commercial vessels are increasingly steering clear of the Strait of Hormuz as security risks escalate following Iran...
Key Takeaways: The CME Group is launching new 90 percent Lean Beef and 50 percent Lean Beef futures and options contracts in July. There are five key factors that must be present in physical markets and futures contract specifications for futures contracts to become successful. The two l...