Cattle Market Reports and Analysis

A Repeating Cycle: Sell Off, Recovery and Volatility in the Livestock Markets

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 19:08:49 GMT

Every cattle cycle looks a little bit different, but they all have peaks and troughs related to inventories and prices — and all the volatility that goes along with it, according to Lee Schulz, ag economist with Ever.Ag.

Schulz recently joined “AgriTalk” to discuss current trends in the cattle and hog markets with host Chip Flory. He says the supply side of the cattle equation is essentially unchanged.

“We’ve continued to put off expansion and to really continue to contract,” says Schulz, who thinks some supply reductions have been mitigated by higher carcass weights.

He also argues profitability drives, and the level of risk producers have faced over the last several years has pushed off that expansion.

“We’ve needed higher profitability levels to incentivize that expansion,” Schulz explains. “That is on the short-term horizon here. But if you would have asked me a couple of years ago what this expansion cycle would have looked like, I would have said it would have been a little bit smoother.”

One factor contributing to contraction in the market is that heifers are still worth more in the feedlot than on pasture. Record wholesale cattle values continue to incentivize the industry to market more beef.

“It’s really the short-term versus the long-term play here,” says Schulz, who is starting to see a transition.

Analyzing USDA’s long-term forecast from October 2024, Schulz notes the prediction for an increase in the beef cow herd Jan. 1, 2027.

“That would give us our highs in prices in 2026 with beef production finally increasing in 2028,” he says. “So far, that’s how it’s playing out. As we look at some of the fundamentals, obviously things could change. But that gives you a bit of a timeline for where things are at.”

With previous forecasts, there was the expectation to start expansion in 2024. The industry has continued to push that off.

“With cattle, you have the biologics of the industry,” Schulz says. “It takes a very long time to turn this ship. I think we can make some adjustments, but ultimately, once that expansion is dictated, it’s going to take a while.”

Demand has remained high in 2025 as consumers continue to eat more beef at higher prices. But is there a limit?

“As supplies are going to tighten, we’re going to eat less beef — but it’s at what price that beef is going to be at,” Schulz says. “Will you continue to see higher prices offset some of that reduction in quantity? So far, consumers have been willing and able to pay those higher prices. But that’s why we monitor things like consumer income and consumer sentiment. That’s going to drive beef demand here going forward.”

When it comes to the futures market and feeder cattle, Schulz thinks tight supplies are still in front of us and demand has to hold — so we may not have seen the highs yet. While he’s confident we’re not going at an increasing rate, he thinks the markets will plateau.

“As we get into summer and fall, that’s really going to dictate if have we put in the highs,” he says.

With cattle prices where they are, every animal in a feedlot, in transit or on pasture is at risk. Schulz recommends cattle producers go on the offense and look at ways to manage risk.

“You have to look at how do we manage the downside to this market potentially just due to the sheer cost of those placements,” he says. “Interest costs are three times as high as they used to be if you look back at the last decade. It’s not just feed costs either. It’s a lot of those costs we need to look at how to manage.”

Pork Markets Remain Steady
When it comes to the pork industry, Schulz sees the hog market dialed in. Supplies are similar to a year ago.

“When you look at it from a production standpoint, yes, slaughter’s down a little bit. But as we adjust for weights, we’re seeing a bit higher production,” Schulz explains. “Historically, we’re still pretty strong for demand, but I think we need to see further strength in demand if we continue to push these higher prices. The export situation remains critical for the hog market as we think about the ability to send our products to the highest valued market — and that continues to be a real crux for this industry.”

Listen to the entire conversation:

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Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef Exports; Record Value to Mexico Fuels Strong Month for Pork

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:47:15 GMT

Exports of U.S. beef continued to build momentum in July, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were also well above year-ago levels in July, led by a value record for shipments to Mexico.

Key Asian markets and Mexico fuel strong month for beef exports

July beef exports totaled 110,419 metric tons (mt), up 7% from a year ago and the second largest of 2024. Export value climbed 12% to $910.9 million, also the second highest this year. July growth was fueled primarily by strengthening demand in Japan, Taiwan, Mexico and the Middle East and ASEAN regions.

For January through July, beef export value increased 6% from a year ago to $6.13 billion, despite a 2% decline in volume (754,152 mt).

“It is very gratifying to see demand for U.S. beef trending upward in Asian markets, with Japan and Taiwan leading the way and an outstanding showing in the ASEAN region,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “U.S. beef has weathered severe headwinds in Asia and especially in Japan, but the outlook for the remainder of the year is encouraging. July was also another impressive month for Mexico, which continues to display excellent demand for an expanding range of U.S. beef cuts and variety meats.”

Record value for Mexico headlines robust month for pork exports

Pork exports reached 241,210 mt in July, up 10% from a year ago. Export value jumped 13% to $710.5 million, fueled in part by a record $244.5 million for leading market Mexico. July exports also trended substantially higher year-over-year in most Latin American markets and in South Korea.

Through the first seven months of 2024, pork exports were 4% above last year at 1.76 million mt. Export value was just under $5 billion – up 6% from a year ago, when pork exports set an annual value record of $8.16 billion.

“Mexico was definitely the pacesetter for U.S. pork again in July, but demand was also outstanding in Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean,” Halstrom said. “Pork exports to Korea also continued to perform well in what is shaping up to be a record year.”

A detailed summary of the January-July export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.

Mann, Costa, Moran, Colleagues Urge USDA to Restore NASS Surveys

Wed, 08 May 2024 22:20:47 GMT

U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, along with Representative Jim Costa (CA-21), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), led 70 of their colleagues in penning a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, urging him to reverse the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to cancel or discontinue several National Agricultural Statistics Service reports.

The reports provide American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers with transparent livestock, grain, and fiber market insights as they position themselves to effectively manage risk and build supply and demand estimates, which help determine commodity sourcing plans to remain operational.

“Droughts, wildfires, sky-high inflation, market fluctuation, and input costs have all driven producers’ risk to an all-time high,” said Rep. Mann “USDA’s decision to cancel the July Cattle Report and discontinue the Cotton Yield Objective Survey and all County Estimates for Crops and Livestock only exacerbates that risk. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers in the Big First and across the country are doing their best as they bear the weight of feeding, clothing, and fueling the world. Secretary Vilsack should immediately reverse this decision and give our producers at least some of the certainty they desperately need and deserve.”

“The USDA’s annual reports on markets and statistics help our farmers and ranchers make informed decisions on the crops they are going to plant and how they manage their livestock,” said Sen. Moran. “Our producers face uncertainty from the weather, market demands, inflation, and more. Eliminating these resources creates greater uncertainty for the agriculture industry and harms our producers’ ability to forecast future demands in the market.”

The letter is supported by the National Grain and Feed Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Cotton Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, Livestock Marketing Association, Beef Alliance, and Livestock Marketing and Dealers Association.

“We appreciate Rep. Mann’s leadership and lawmakers’ recognition of the highly valuable nature of these reports to the entire U.S. agricultural value chain,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “NASS county estimates are critical for the operation of agricultural businesses. They are used to build supply and demand estimates, which help determine commodity sourcing plans to keep agribusiness facilities operational. The knowledge the reports provide contribute to an efficient and nimble supply chain. NGFA members, including agricultural exporters, processors, and livestock feeders rely on these reports to participate in the export sales market and to make appropriate purchase decisions.”

“The data provided by USDA-NASS in these canceled reports is vitally important to cattle producers, especially in this current period of the cattle cycle,” said NCBA President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele. “USDA’s decision to cut the July Cattle report and County Estimates will only fuel more uncertainty in the market. NCBA thanks Rep. Mann, Rep. Costa, and Sen. Moran for leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers in urging USDA to reverse this decision.”

“The entire cotton industry relies on the fullest range of NASS reports to predict harvests, develop market forecasts, and estimate the potential economic impact of natural disasters,” said President and CEO of the National Cotton Council Gary Adams. “During these challenging times, the National Cotton Council commends this bipartisan effort urging Secretary Vilsack to restore the vital data we lost.”

“AFBF is disappointed in NASS’ decision to drop these crucial reports,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “County crop and yield estimates provide important data for markets and research, and the decision to cancel the Cattle Inventory Survey runs counter to USDA’s previous commitments to improve fair, competitive and transparent markets. We appreciate Senator Moran, Congressman Mann, and Congressman Costa for their continued support to reverse NASS’ decision.”

“LMA strongly encourages USDA to reconsidering the cancellation of the July Cattle inventory report, which provides valuable public information to the livestock industry,” said Mark Barnett, Livestock Marketing Association President. “We are grateful to Rep. Mann, Rep. Costa, and Sen. Moran for championing these needed reports in a congressional letter.”

“The Beef Alliance recognizes that the USDA and NASS are facing funding challenges which are not dissimilar to the difficulties facing cattle feeders: higher input costs and tighter margins,” said Beef Alliance Chairman John Wilson. “However, the costs associated with canceling the July Cattle Inventory Report far exceed whatever minimal savings the agency may or may not accomplish given this decision and contradict the agency’s transparency. Unlike other commodities, cattle production inherently involves a multi-year approach to raising, feeding, marketing, and processing. This report is extremely important to market efficiency across the entire beef production sector. This is why we strongly oppose the decision to cancel the cattle inventory report and thank Congressman Mann for his leadership spearheading this important letter.”

“ALMDA’s member livestock markets, dealers, and order buyers rely on USDA NASS data to provide unbiased and accurate national and local livestock inventory data to forecast industry supply and demand trends which are fundamental to achieving robust price discovery for sellers,” said Bryan Forester, President of the American Livestock Markets and Dealers Association. “This data is also used by risk managers, market analysts, the Farm Credit system, banks, allied industry, state extension programs, and countless others in the agriculture industry to provide a range of valuable services to all livestock producers. We call upon USDA NASS to reconsider the elimination of the discontinued reports and immediately restore these reports for the benefit of the entire livestock industry.”

Rep. Mann is committed to making sure Kansans have a government that is accountable including reining in abuses from the Executive Branch.

Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.

Profit Tracker: Major Shift in Feed Costs Boosts Livestock Margins

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:23:52 GMT

Negotiated cash cattle sold $2 lower last week but lower costs helped boost feedyard margins $10 per head for an industry average profit of $212. Meanwhile, beef packers saw their margins improve some $30 per head to average losses of $202 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . That puts the margin spread at $414 per head in favor of the feeder.

Cash cattle averaged $184.54 per cwt. the week ending Apr. 13, while composite wholesale beef prices posted $7.21 per cwt. losses to close at $291.35 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $376 per head, down about $2 per head from the previous week, and about $221 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $169.35 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $173.39 per cwt., which is up about $1 per cwt. from the previous week. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $242.19 per cwt., or $10 per cwt. less than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 19% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,371 per head, down $38 per head from the previous week and up 9% from last year’s estimate of $2,165 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 484,812, up 6,626 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 82.8% compared to 81.7% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins at $42 per head last week, up $11 from the previous week. Lean carcass prices averaged $92.72 per cwt., up $5.87 per cwt. from the previous week and $19.97 per cwt. higher than last year.

Pork packers saw profits of about $6 per head, or $4 per head less than the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were near breakeven. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.485 million head, up 64,000 head from the previous week and up 58,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 92.3% compared to 90.2% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Profit Tracker: Cattle Losses Reach Triple Digits

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:13:45 GMT

Cattle feeding losses increased nearly five-fold last week with a $5 per cwt. decline in cash prices. Lower cattle costs, however, did not aid beef packers as per head losses more than doubled from the prior week.

Cattle feeding losses fell to $100.52 per head the week ending Dec. 9, $77 per head more than the previous week, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker. Beef packers saw their losses increase $13 per head to total $23. A month ago cattle feeders saw average profits of $94 per head.

For the week ending Dec. 8, cash cattle prices averaged $169.47 per cwt., which is roughly $5 lower than the previous week. Wholesale beef prices posted an average of $287.03 per cwt., roughly $6 per cwt. lower than the previous week. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $443 per head, down about $62 per head from the previous week, and about $83 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a month ago. Feed costs are 20% lower than a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $176.65 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $163.16 per cwt., which is about $3 per cwt. lower than a month ago. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $219.16 per cwt., or $13 per cwt. less than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 19% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,473 per head, up 19% from last year’s estimate of $2,008 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 494,030, down 2,000 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 84.4% compared to 86.8% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers saw losses of $51 per head last week, about $9 more than losses the previous week. Pork producer margins have now been negative every week for the past year. Lean carcass prices averaged $59.15 per cwt., $2.29 per cwt. lower than the previous week and down $26.98 from last year (-31%).

Pork packers saw profits of about $54 per head, or $7 per head more than the previous week, and their best profit margins since January 2022. Last year pork packers saw losses of $5 per head. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.687 million head, down 8,000 head from the previous week and up 108,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 99.6% compared to 93.4% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Record Value for Mexico Fuels August Pork Exports, Beef Sees Modest Rebound

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:33:38 GMT

Although August exports of U.S. pork were steady year-over-year, beef exports were well below the large totals of August 2022, reports the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Data released by USDA and compiled by the USMEF show pork exports were led by another tremendous performance in Mexico and beef exports showed improvement over July results.

August Pork Exports

August pork exports totaled 226,519 metric tons, which USMEF points out is steady with last year. However, export value fell 1.5% to $649.5 million. Exports to leading market Mexico remained on a record pace and set a value record in August at $211.7 million. Exports trended higher year-over-year to Japan, Canada, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Oceania and Taiwan.

During the first eight months of 2023, pork exports have been 11% above last year’s pace at 1.91 million metric tons, valued at $5.32 billion and up 9%.

“I cannot say enough about Mexico’s remarkable demand for U.S. pork and the critical revenue these exports drive for the U.S. industry,” USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said in a release. “But the story of this year’s export growth extends well beyond Mexico, as demand is climbing in other Western Hemisphere destinations and the U.S. industry is also achieving gains in several Asia-Pacific markets.”

August Beef Exports

August beef exports totaled 109,000 metric tons and were down 19% from last year when export volume was the second highest on record. But USMEF notes beef exports had a 6% increase over July. Meanwhile, export value was $883.9 million, down 15% year-over-year but 9% above July.

Exports to Mexico continued to trend higher in August, USMEF points out. Shipments to Guatemala were the second highest on record and exports to South America were the largest in more than a year. In addition, August exports increased year-over-year to Africa and the Dominican Republic. Exports to leading markets South Korea and Japan were well below last year, but improved over July.

For January through August, beef exports trailed last year’s record pace by 12% in volume at 881,343 metric tons and 19% in value at $6.69 billion.

“Beef exports certainly face significant headwinds, especially in our large Asian markets where foodservice has been slow to recover and consumer confidence is low due to the impact of rising prices and the strong U.S. dollar,” Halstrom said in a release. “But exports to South Korea and Japan did bounce back to some degree after a difficult July. Mexico continues to be a major bright spot for U.S. beef, and exports to other Western Hemisphere partners in Central and South America and the Dominican Republic also gained momentum in August.”

You can find a detailed summary of the January-August export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, on the USMEF website .

U.S Pork Exports Boast Big First Half; Beef Exports Below 2022's Record Pace

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 16:56:59 GMT

U.S. pork exports wrapped up an excellent first half of 2023 with another strong performance in June, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Although numbers are below the record pace established in 2022, June beef exports topped $900 million in value, pushing first-half export value to nearly $5 billion.

A Little Good News for the Pork Industry

USMEF notes pork exports totaled 245,964 metric tons (mt) in June, up 12% from a year ago, while export value climbed 6% to $691.4 million. During the first half of 2023, exports were 14% above last year’s pace at 1.47 million mt, valued at $4.05 billion (up 12%).

Of particular note, pork exports to Mexico are on a record pace, with first-half value up 21% to more than $1 billion. USMEF points out that first-half exports increased sharply year-over-year to the ASEAN region, Australia, Taiwan, the Dominican Republic and Chile, while also posting gains in China/Hong Kong, South Korea and Central America.

Pork variety meat exports continue to be a bright spot, surging by 32% in the first half to more than 297,000 mt, led by record-large shipments to China.

“Mexico is certainly the 2023 pacesetter for U.S. pork exports but what’s really exciting is that the industry is achieving such broad-based growth internationally,” Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO, says in a release. “Exports are making impressive gains in the Western Hemisphere and reclaiming market share in many Asia-Pacific markets, and U.S. pork is well-positioned to continue gaining momentum in the second half.”

Bright Spots Remain for Beef Exports

On the beef side, exports totaled 115,107 mt in June, down 12% from a year ago and slightly below the May volume. Export value was $909.5 million, down 13% year-over-year but the highest since October and 4% above the value posted in May, USMEF reports. First-half beef exports were 10% below last year’s record pace at 669,176 mt. Meanwhile, export value was just under $5 billion – down 19% from a year ago but still 8% above the first half of 2021.

June beef exports to Taiwan were the largest in 14 months, while exports to Mexico continued to gain momentum and shipments to Canada, Hong Kong, South Africa and the Dominican Republic posted year-over-year gains. Although June exports to South Korea, China and Japan were below last year’s large totals, shipments to Japan improved notably in value from the previous month, analysts note.

“It was a challenging first half for beef exports, especially when compared to the blistering pace established a year ago,” Halstrom says in a release. “But we are encouraged to see that exports are still accounting for a consistently high percentage of total beef production, and variety meat exports have held up very well considering the decline in U.S. slaughter. These metrics continue to illustrate the important contribution of exports in maximizing beef carcass value.”

A detailed summary of the January-June export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website .

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Profit Tracker: Margins Decline $55 Per Head

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:17:07 GMT

Note: It is acknowledged that winter weather has increased cost of gain for many feedyards in the Midwest. Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka says the Beef Profit Tracker is “intended as a benchmark for the average costs of feeding cattle. Weather certainly has an impact on cost of gain at various times of the year,” he says. “But when one region suffers from a weather event, other regions may not. That’s why there is no adjustment for weather in the Profit Trackers. I fully understand an individual feedyard’s cost of gain may be significantly higher than another, and the Profit Tracker is not intended to reflect that.

“My margin analysis for feeding and processing in the beef and pork industries are meant to serve more as benchmark that can be compared week-over-week, month-over-month, and year-over-year as to the general economic health of those industries.,” Nalivka says. “To do this, I have to make assumptions that hold true across the model and allow for comparative analysis. The discussion from that analysis will bring out specific circumstances for a given year, etc.”

Cattle feeding margins declined $55 per head last week as cash prices declined $1 per cwt. Industry average profit margins on cattle sold last week were $70 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker .

For the week ending March 15, cash cattle sold for an average of $127 per cwt., while the beef cutout closed the week at $226, up $2.51 from March 8. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing Inc., Vale, Ore.

A year ago cattle feeders were earning an average of $170 per head. Feeder cattle represent 74% of the cost of finishing a steer compared with 73% a year ago.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers saw their margins improve $11 per head with losses at $12 per head. Lean carcass prices traded at $53.83 per cwt., $6.63 per cwt. higher than the previous week, and $3.65 higher than a month ago. A year ago pork producer margins were a positive $8 per head. Pork packer margins averaged a profit of $20 per head last week.

Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka projects cash profit margins for cow-calf producers in 2019 will average $144 per cow. That would be modestly lower compared to the $161 estimated average profit for 2018. Estimated average cow-calf margins were $164 in 2017, $176 in 2016, and $438 per cow in 2015.

For feedyards, Nalivka projects an average profit of $77 per head in 2019, which would be $53 better than the average of $24 per head in 2018. Nalivka expects packer margins to average about $156 per head in 2019, about $14 less than in 2018.

For farrow-to-finish pork producers, Nalivka projects an average loss of $14.60 per head in 2019, as compared with an average profit of $1.35 per head in 2018. Pork packers are projected to earn $21 per head in 2019, about $3 less than the $20 per head profits of 2018.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Improve $16

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:17:07 GMT

Cattle feeding margins improved $16 per head last week as cash prices improved less than $1 per cwt. Industry average profit margins on cattle sold last week were $84 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

For the week ending April 12, cash cattle sold for an average of $125.07 per cwt., while the beef cutout closed the week at $227.56 up $2.08 from April 5. Packers saw profits of $180 per head last week, $24 higher than the previous week. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing Inc., Vale, Ore.

A year ago cattle feeders were losing an average of $37 per head. Feeder cattle represent 73% of the cost of finishing a steer compared with 75% a year ago.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers saw their margins fall $1 per head with profits of $38 per head. Lean carcass prices traded at $77.87 per cwt., $0.51 per cwt. lower than the previous week, and $24.04 higher than a month ago. A year ago pork producer margins were negative $18 per head. Pork packer margins averaged a profit of $4 per head last week.

Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka projects cash profit margins for cow-calf producers in 2019 will average $144 per cow. That would be modestly lower compared to the $161 estimated average profit for 2018. Estimated average cow-calf margins were $164 in 2017, $176 in 2016, and $438 per cow in 2015.

For feedyards, Nalivka projects an average profit of $77 per head in 2019, which would be $53 better than the average of $24 per head in 2018. Nalivka expects packer margins to average about $156 per head in 2019, about $14 less than in 2018.

For farrow-to-finish pork producers, Nalivka projects an average loss of $14.60 per head in 2019, as compared with an average profit of $1.35 per head in 2018. Pork packers are projected to earn $21 per head in 2019, about $3 less than the $20 per head profits of 2018.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Decline $80

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:17:07 GMT

Cattle feeding margins declined by $80 per head last week as cash prices slumped $1 to $2 per cwt. Industry average profit margins on cattle sold last week were $68 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker .

For the week ending April 5, cash cattle sold for an average of $124.59 per cwt., while the beef cutout closed the week at $225.48 down $1.55 from March 29. Packers saw profits of $154 per head last week, $14 higher than the previous week. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing Inc., Vale, Ore.

A year ago cattle feeders were losing an average of $13 per head. Feeder cattle represent 74% of the cost of finishing a steer compared with 74% a year ago.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers saw their margins improve $4 per head with profits of $40 per head. Lean carcass prices traded at $78.38 per cwt., $1.60 per cwt. higher than the previous week, and $31.18 higher than a month ago. A year ago pork producer margins were negative $21 per head. Pork packer margins averaged a loss of $2 per head last week.

Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka projects cash profit margins for cow-calf producers in 2019 will average $144 per cow. That would be modestly lower compared to the $161 estimated average profit for 2018. Estimated average cow-calf margins were $164 in 2017, $176 in 2016, and $438 per cow in 2015.

For feedyards, Nalivka projects an average profit of $77 per head in 2019, which would be $53 better than the average of $24 per head in 2018. Nalivka expects packer margins to average about $156 per head in 2019, about $14 less than in 2018.

For farrow-to-finish pork producers, Nalivka projects an average loss of $14.60 per head in 2019, as compared with an average profit of $1.35 per head in 2018. Pork packers are projected to earn $21 per head in 2019, about $3 less than the $20 per head profits of 2018.

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Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Solid

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Improve $43

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:17:07 GMT

Cattle feeding margins improved $43 per head last week as cash prices gained nearly $2 per cwt. Industry average profit margins on cattle sold last week were $127 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

For the week ending April 19, cash cattle sold for an average of $126.78 per cwt., while the beef cutout closed the week at $230.80 up $3.24 from April 12. Packers saw profits of $194 per head last week, $14 higher than the previous week. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing Inc., Vale, Ore.

A year ago cattle feeders were losing an average of $44 per head . Feeder cattle represent 73% of the cost of finishing a steer compared with 72% a year ago.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers saw their margins improve $5 per head with profits of $43 per head. Lean carcass prices traded at $80.99 per cwt., $3.12 per cwt. higher than the previous week, and $16.68 higher than a month ago. A year ago pork producer margins were negative $2 per head. Pork packer margins averaged a profit of $4 per head last week.

Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka projects cash profit margins for cow-calf producers in 2019 will average $144 per cow. That would be modestly lower compared to the $161 estimated average profit for 2018. Estimated average cow-calf margins were $164 in 2017, $176 in 2016, and $438 per cow in 2015.

For feedyards, Nalivka projects an average profit of $77 per head in 2019, which would be $53 better than the average of $24 per head in 2018. Nalivka expects packer margins to average about $156 per head in 2019, about $14 less than in 2018.

For farrow-to-finish pork producers, Nalivka projects an average loss of $14.60 per head in 2019, as compared with an average profit of $1.35 per head in 2018. Pork packers are projected to earn $21 per head in 2019, about $3 less than the $20 per head profits of 2018.

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Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Improve $16

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Rapidly Declining

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:17:07 GMT

Cattle feeding margins shed another $26 per head last week as cash prices declined $3 per cwt. Industry average profit margins on cattle sold last week were $91 per head, which is 50% lower than two weeks ago, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker .

For the week ending May 10, cash cattle sold for an average of $120.24 per cwt., while the beef cutout closed the week at $221.13 down $6.88 from May 3. Packers saw profits of $149.56 per head last week, $19 lower than the previous week. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing Inc., Vale, Ore.

A year ago cattle feeders were earning an average of $20 per head. Feeder cattle represent 72% of the cost of finishing a steer compared with 72% a year ago.

Farrow-to-finish pork producers saw their margins decline $2 per head with profits of $47. Lean carcass prices traded at $82.73 per cwt., $0.26 per cwt. lower than the previous week, and $4.86 higher than a month ago. A year ago pork producer margins were positive $9 per head. Pork packer margins averaged a loss of $3 per head last week.

Sterling Marketing president John Nalivka projects cash profit margins for cow-calf producers in 2019 will average $144 per cow. That would be modestly lower compared to the $161 estimated average profit for 2018. Estimated average cow-calf margins were $164 in 2017, $176 in 2016, and $438 per cow in 2015.

For feedyards, Nalivka projects an average profit of $77 per head in 2019, which would be $53 better than the average of $24 per head in 2018. Nalivka expects packer margins to average about $156 per head in 2019, about $14 less than in 2018.

For farrow-to-finish pork producers, Nalivka projects an average loss of $14.60 per head in 2019, as compared with an average profit of $1.35 per head in 2018. Pork packers are projected to earn $21 per head in 2019, about $3 less than the $20 per head profits of 2018.

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Feedyard Margins Decline 35%

Profit Tracker: Packers In The Black, Feedyard Margins Ugly

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

Beef packers put away the red ink last week as they turned modest profits on every animal processed. Feedyard margins, however, slipped a little further away from positive.

Despite a near $3 per cwt. gain in cash cattle prices last week, feedyard losses increased about $3 per head, leaving average per head losses at more than $153. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $161.34, well below the average breakeven price of $173.13, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $233 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended more than $3 per cwt. higher to $248.33, helping packer margins improve more than $20 per head, resulting in profits of $3.94 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped nearly $8 per head, producing losses of nearly $1 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up about t$5 per head compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $7 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $55, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins slip $2 per head, with losses now at $6 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $12 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $47 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Losses Exceed $150 Per Head

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

Packers are making headway against negative margins, but feedyards are losing ground. Cash cattle prices dipped nearly 50 cents per cwt. last week, increasing feedyard losses $45 per head, leaving average per head losses at more than $150. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $158.67, well below the average breakeven price of $170.23, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $284 on every animal sold.

Boxed cutout prices trended nearly $7 per cwt. higher to $244.95, helping packer margins improve nearly $80 per head, leaving losses at $15 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved nearly $15 per head, producing profits of $7 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up about t$5 per head compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $7 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $80, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins slip $6 per head, with profits now at $10 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $7 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $31 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Losses Exceed $100 Per Head

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

Whether you’re cattle feeder or packer, ledger sheets are full of red ink. Cash cattle prices dipped nearly $2 per cwt. last week, increasing feedyard losses $28 per head, leaving average per head losses at more than $105. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $159.04, well below the average breakeven price of $167.12, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $253 on every animal sold.

Boxed cutout prices trended nearly $1 per cwt. higher to $238.67, but packer margins only improved $3 per head, leaving losses at $95 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins declined $6 per head, dropping closeouts to $7.68 in the red. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was relatively unchanged from the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $48 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $82, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $1 per head, with profits now at $16 per head.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $33 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Plunge Lower

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

Cattle feeding margins declined $45 per head last week, leaving average per head losses at more than $77. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $161.74, up more than $1 from the previous week, but still below the average breakeven price of $167.67, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $209 on every animal sold.

A $2.50 per cwt. decline in the boxed cutout price drove packer margins $45 per head lower, leaving losses at $99 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins declined $14 per head, dropping closeouts to $1.23 in the red. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was $8 per cwt. higher than the previous week, while the total costs for the animal and feed was $56 per head lower. Feeder cattle represent nearly 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 69% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $12 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $83, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $4 per head, with profits now at $15 per head.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $20 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $26 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Margins Improve, Remain Red

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

Cattle feeding margins improved nearly $25 per head last week, but average per head losses remain more than $32. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $160.62, up more than $1 from the previous week, but still below the average breakeven price of $163.11, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $145 on every animal sold.

A $5 per cwt. decline in the boxed beef price drove packer margins $45 per head lower, leaving losses at $52 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins were unchanged at a positive $13 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was unchanged last week, while the total costs for the animal and feed was $8 per head lower. Feeder cattle represent nearly 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 69% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing an average of $58 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $56, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins decline about $2 per head, with profits now at $11 per head.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $20 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $4 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeder, Packer Margins Ugly

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

The pain eased somewhat for cattle feeders last week, but losses remain more than $170 per head.

Cash cattle prices rallied $2 per cwt., with the 5-area direct cash price at $163.45. That was well below the average breakeven price of $176.67, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . Still, average feeding margins were about $40 per head better than the previous week when feedyards lost $212 per head. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $247 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended about 50 cents per cwt. lower to $245.86, and packer margins declined more than $14 per head, resulting in losses of $48 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped nearly $10 per head, producing losses of $15.46 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was about $2.50 per head lower compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $96 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were making $65, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $7 per head, with profits now at $5 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $12 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $65 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Losses Exceed $200

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:54 GMT

It was another ugly week for cattle feeders. Despite steady cash cattle prices, average losses jumped another $60 per head, leaving closeouts with $212 losses. Last week’s 5-area direct cash price for fed steers was $161.26, well below the average breakeven price of $177.60, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $246 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended $2 per cwt. lower to $246.33, and packer margins declined more than $37 per head, resulting in losses of $33 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped nearly $5 per head, producing losses of $5.54 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up about $6 per head compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $99 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were making $74, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $5 per head, with losses now at $1.83 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $10 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $50 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Put On Lipstick

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

Cattle feeders added a little powder and lipstick to closeouts this week, but the ugly continues to shine through. Modest gains in the cash market produced a $35 per head improvement to feedyard margins, but losses remained near $173 per head.

The 5-area direct cash cattle price increased $1 per cwt. to $161.72, but that was well below the average breakeven price of $174.94, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $216 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices traded $0.43 lower than the previous week at $254.33, and packer margins declined $20 per head, resulting in average profits of $24 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved more than $14 per head, producing profits of $21 per head compared to profits of just $7 per head last week. Negotiated lean hog carcass prices improved $6.19 per cwt. to $79.34. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up only slightly compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 74% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $22 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $47, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins erode $2 per head, with losses of about $16 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $34 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeder Margins Tumble Again

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

Cattle feeding margins took another turn south last week after a nearly $4 per cwt. decline in fed cattle prices. Cattle feeders lost an average of $190 per head last week, about $35 more than losses recorded the previous week.

Cash cattle prices declined nearly $4 per cwt., with the 5-area direct cash price at $160.59. That was well below the average breakeven price of $175.23, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $176 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended about $1 per cwt. higher to $257.45, and packer margins improved more than $50 per head, resulting in average profits of $28 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved nearly $4 per head, producing losses of $10.67 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was unchanged compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $48 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $60, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins decline $6 per head, with losses of about $6 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $54 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Losses Exceed $200 Per Head

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

Cattle feeding margins took another tumble last week after a $1 per cwt. decline in fed cattle prices. Cattle feeders lost an average of $207 per head, about $17 more than losses recorded the previous week.

The 5-area direct cash cattle price declined $1 per cwt. to $159.58. That was well below the average breakeven price of $175.50, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $180 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices traded nearly equal to the previous week at $257.50, and packer margins improved more than $30 per head, resulting in average profits of $65 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved about $2.50 per head, producing losses of $8.14 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was up only slightly compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $55 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $24, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $2 per head, with losses of about $4 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $51 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feedyard Losses Exceed $50 Per Head

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

Cattle feeding margins declined nearly $53 per head last week, leaving average losses at $56 per head. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $171 on every animal sold, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Packer margins improved $37 per head to average $52 profits on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved $13 per head, pulling those averages out of slightly negative territory to a positive $13. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was $1 per cwt. lower, while average total feed costs were unchanged. Feeder cattle represent nearly 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 69% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing an average of $50 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were seeing profits of $32 per head, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins decline about $5 per head, with profits now at $14 per head.

Cash prices for fed cattle are $14 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $13 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $688 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Margins Improve, Remain Negative

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

The financial pain of feeding cattle eased again last week, but losses remain more than $125 per head.

Cash cattle prices rallied $2 per cwt., with the 5-area direct cash price at $165.77. That was well below the average breakeven price of $176.68, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . Still, average feeding margins were about $43 per head better than the previous week when feedyards lost $172 per head. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $242 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended about $2 per cwt. higher to $248.13, and packer margins improved about $2 per head, resulting in losses of $46 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped more than $1 per head, producing losses of $17 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was about $12 per head lower compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent about 81% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were losing $17 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were making $32, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $2 per head, with profits now at $7 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $13 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $71 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $579 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeder, Packer Margins Improve

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:51 GMT

The pain eased somewhat for cattle feeders last week, but losses remain more than $97 per head.

Cash cattle prices rallied $2 per cwt., with the 5-area direct cash price at $167.41. That was well below the average breakeven price of $174.92, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . Still, average feeding margins were about $30 per head better than the previous week when feedyards lost $129 per head. A year ago cattle feeders were earning $223 on every animal sold.

Beef cutout prices trended about $5.40 per cwt. higher to $253.57, and packer margins improved more than $15 per head, resulting in losses of $40 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins slipped more than $4 per head, producing losses of $21.23 per head. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was about $3 per head lower compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 80% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $4 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were losing $36, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins decline $5 per head, with profits now at $2 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $17 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $70 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Margins Remain In ICU

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:49 GMT

Last week saw dramatic improvement in cattle feeding margins, yet triple-digit losses remain. Feedyard closeouts were $71 per head better than the week before, leaving losses at $112 on every animal sold.

The 5-area direct cash cattle price was $159.54 per cwt., well below the average breakeven price of $168.22, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $157 per head.

Beef cutout prices traded $1 per cwt. higher than the previous week at $260.47, and packer margins improved $22 per head, resulting in average profits of nearly $88 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved more than $3 per head, producing profits of $31 per head. Negotiated lean hog carcass prices declined $0.96 per cwt. to $81.69. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was down $12 per cwt. compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 79% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $65 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $20, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins improve $10 per head, bringing the estimated margins back to near breakeven. Cash prices for fed cattle are $14 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $29 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Slip Further

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 19:16:49 GMT

A $6 per head decline in cattle feeding margins is tolerable, unless you were already losing $112. Feedyard closeouts finished last week $118 in the red as the 5-area direct cash price fell about 25-five cents per cwt. to $159.30. That’s well below the average breakeven price of $168.41 per cwt., according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . A year ago cattle feeders were earning $165 per head.

Beef cutout prices traded nearly $4 per cwt. lower than the previous week at $256.73, and packer margins tumbled $20 per head, resulting in average profits of nearly $67 on every animal processed.

Farrow-to-finish pork margins improved about 25 cents per head, producing profits of $31 per head. Negotiated lean hog carcass prices also increased about 25 cents per cwt. to $81.94. Both beef and pork profit margins are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

The cost of feeder cattle factored against last week’s live cattle sales was unchanged compared to the previous week. Feeder cattle represent more than 78% of the total cost for finishing a steer, up significantly from last year when feeder cattle represented 73% of that total cost.

A month ago beef packers were earning $44 on every animal processed, while a year ago packers were earning $61, Sterling Marketing estimates. Pork packers saw their margins decline $2 per head, leaving them with losses of slightly more than $2 per head. Cash prices for fed cattle are $14 per cwt. higher than last year, and negotiated hog prices are $41 per cwt. lower than last year.

Nalivka projects average cash profit margins for cow-calf producers at $541 per cow this year. Last year’s estimated average cow-calf margins were $548 per cow.