Pasture conditions are deteriorating as 2023 comes to a close and the grazing season closes out. This has potential implications for the rebuilding of the cattle herd. As of 15 October, conditions have improved over the last three years, but are not back to pre-drought levels. Going into the winter without sufficient forage is clearly an obstacle to herd expansion – and the reason why beef cow slaughter peaked in Q4 in all but six of the last 50 years. How much it peaks is something to watch this year.
One positive is that hay supplies are up. Production in 2023 is up 10 percent for alfalfa and 8.1 percent for other hay. But the bigger question with beef cattle herd rebuilding leads to question about the structure of the cow calf s...
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...
WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “...
