2020 was a year of unprecedented volatility in ag markets and life in general, and the cow/calf sector did not escape this pattern. Rising feed costs through the fall have pressured estimated returns to cow/calf operations while weakness in cull cow prices has similarly depressed revenue opportunities. Fortunately, moderate strength in feeder cattle/calf prices has helped offset some of the higher feed costs. WPI’s current forecast is that the “average” cow/calf operation in the southern Plains lost $8.38/cow unit on calves sold this year, a $16 improvement from last month’s estimate but below our July forecast of -$1.94/cow unit.
Cow/calf producers faced a challenging year starting with the spring COVID-19...
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...
