The idling of several packing plants is now having a trickledown impact through the value chain. After Smithfield closed its Sioux Falls pork packing plant, its also closed a plant in Missouri that makes ham and processed products and a plant in Wisconsin that makes bacon and sausage. Both receive raw material from Sioux Falls. Likewise, a Cargill case ready plant in Pennsylvania has also been idled. These of course are in addition to the actual slaughter operations that are idled. The table below, which we have been updating daily, shows the facilities impacted.
Of course, the impact of interrupted plant operations is trickling upstream to the livestock markets. Meat prices are on a roller-coaster ride. Prices for certain cuts went from...
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...