Livestock Producer Turnaround Cow/calf operators and hog feeders have seen a decrease in margins over the past three years, according to the latest data on national average operating costs. In 2014, the hog market was bullishly impacted by the shortages caused by Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv), and cow culling pushed calf prices to record highs. As the saying goes, though, the best cure for high prices is high prices.
Herd expansion over the past few years and trade uncertainty in the pork market have pressured prices. However, things are looking up for 2019. It has been a wet year for cow-calf operators with lots of grass this spring. March calf prices were a bit below last year’s, but April prices are inching above year-...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
