World Perspectives
livestock

Cattle Markets Still Screwy

The cattle marketing year is off to a strange start. In the first eight weeks of 2025, weekly carcass weights have averaged 40 pounds more than the same period last year. This component of production is driven by two factors: heavier carcass weights of steers and heifers, and the proportion of steers and heifers in the slaughter mix among cows and bulls.   This increase in market-ready supplies of fed cattle is likely supported in part by feedlots continuing to increase poundage per animal and packers reducing slaughter schedules in February. This improves operational efficiencies on a per-head basis, as packer margins are under pressure from paying much higher prices for fed cattle. As those measures are keeping cattle...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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