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Beef packers saw per head losses nearly double last week as wholesale beef prices tumbled $7 per cwt. lower. Pork processors are also found negative margins and producer margins remain short of breakeven.

Negative margins continue growing for beef packers as tightening supplies of cattle support cash prices $17 per cwt. higher than the same week a year ago.

Cattle feeders saw their margins shrink $70 per head last week as a modest increase in market-ready supplies led packers to sharply cut their negotiated purchases.

Cattle feeders sold more cattle last week than any week this year and at the highest price in history. Pork producers saw modest profits.

Cattle feeders experience largest average profits in seven years as packer margins dip into the red.

Profit margins for cattle feeders and packers continue pacing in opposite directions as shrinking supplies of market-ready cattle drive negotiated cash prices higher.

Wholesale beef prices continue to support packer margins even as negotiated cash cattle trade well-above the five-year average. Pork producers enjoy a market rally that has lifted margins out of the red.

During a bilateral meeting on Thursday, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai discussed with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier various issues concerning energy and biotech corn.

Erik Lichtenberg, University of Maryland professor, says Congress could reorient farm bill conservation funds for climate change, but it could cut into their support.

“Pork producers need the freedom to operate without worrying about excessive government regulation tripping them up, and that’s exactly what this bill will do,” says Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa).