This week’s WASDE upped the projections for pork and broiler production and trimmed the beef forecast slightly at 5 million pounds.
The beef forecast is down on lower slaughter but is offset by heavier weights. For the past 10 weeks, slaughter weights have averaged 1,399 pounds, hitting 1,400 pounds for the first week of June. Last week, slaughter weights were 1,398 pounds compared to 1,340 pounds for the same week last year. Year-to-date, slaughter is down 4.4 percent, but beef production is down only 1.7 percent. Pork production was revised up by 40 million pounds with increased slaughter in Q2 and slightly heavier weights; June slaughter weights were 290 pounds, versus 288 last year. No increase in slaughter forecas...
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...
