The cyber attack on JBS sent a shock through the markets, but JBS was already re-opening plants on Wednesday. Today’s estimated slaughter was back up where it was previously – if not at the level to move sufficient cattle through.
The actual slaughter data for the week ending 22 May were released today; total weekly kill was 672,197 including 537,750-plus head of fed cattle. That is the highest since June 2020. Seasonally, the market typically moves into higher slaughter volumes and lighter weights in the month of June. We’ll see where things shake out next week – the first full week of the month. Slaughter and carcass weights are down from last year, but last year was even more interrupted; weights are still heav...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
