The February WASDE adjusted the red meat and broiler forecast for both 2019 and 2020. The table below shows a recap.
Total red meat and poultry production was updated based on slightly higher beef slaughter and heavier weights, but that is front loaded to the first half of 2020. Production is expected to drop in the second half of the year based on the estimated small size of the cattle herd reported at the end of January. Broiler production was raised on the number of chicks hatched. Pork production was raised on increased slaughter and weights, both of which have been bearish for hogs. Slaughter is up 3 percent compared to last year for the first five weeks of the year, and pork production is up 3.6 percent on heavie...
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...