USDA will release its Cattle on Feed report tomorrow. Analysts’ pre-report estimates peg the total number of cattle on feed as of 1 May at 101.5 percent of a year ago. The range of estimates was extremely tight, coming in between 101.2 and 101.8 percent. The implied inventory of cattle on feed would be 11.9 million head.
Last May, the cattle on feed inventory was the second highest on record so inventories are going to be large, but the real lever is the number of cattle coming in behind these large numbers, especially as cow slaughter is higher than normal. It is a long term bullish scenario for cattle supply and demand per se, but the overall inflationary environment and its impacts on domestic consumer beef demand and demand for...
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...