World Perspectives
livestock

Livestock Roundup: Beef Overview

Little to no action has been reported in the cash markets and asking prices are back at $190/cwt and higher. Cattle supply numbers are tighter in the south than in the north, and carcass weights took a pause from the steep rise that has taken them to all-time highs this year. The latest report shows carcass weights at 924 pounds, down 2 pounds from the prior week but 30 pounds heavier than last year. The fed cattle weights (combined steer and heifer) can easily be influenced when the proportion of steers to heifers in the weekly slaughter changes. With considerable scrutiny on searching for signs of herd rebuilding and heifer retention, a drop in carcass weights would seem to signal heifers are still being marketed. Last week’s slaught...

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livestock

Livestock Round Up: Cattle Margins and Distribution

The recent February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report forecast beef production to increase in 2026 due to greater slaughter of steers and heifers, increased cow slaughter, and heavier dressed weights, all of which will provide some relief to the beef market. Also, th...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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