The release tomorrow of USDA’s Cattle on Feed report gets the monthly series back on schedule after the government shutdown. It will show the total number of cattle on feed as of 1 March (the 1 February report was released two weeks late on 8 March). Pre-report forecasts peg the total inventory in feedlots of 1,000 head capacity down slightly to 99.7 percent from last year. While the drop is small, it is the first decrease from year-ago levels since December 2016.
February placements are expected to be 96.2 percent of last year. Meanwhile, marketings are anticipated to be more current, coming in at 100.8 percent of a year ago. The tough weather conditions on the Plains have had an impact on placements and are continuing to do so...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
