Author: ploewen

Date: January 6th, 2021 Wild swings in all the commodity markets continue for this the second trading day of the New Year. Almost all commodity and equities finished higher yesterday with US$ settling at new lows. Cattle futures collapsed triple digits lower on Monday looking like they were finally reacting to corn and meal prices higher almost every day over this past month. Yet that was not the case yesterday as they were able to gain back most of Monday’s losses reversing back higher. Cattle futures have traded near $4 ranges the past 2 days. Both cash feedlot trade and beef prices rallied to end last year which is supportive yet availability remains plentiful for the packers here in the near term. Only some light…

Date: January 4th, 2021 Livestock futures higher to finish the year. Cash feedlot trade wrapped up on Thursday in the Southern Plains with live purchases $2 higher than the week previous at $112. In Nebraska, negotiated cash trading was reported steady to $2 higher from $110 to $112 and dressed purchases $3 to $4 higher from $175 to $176. Export sales for beef were friendly as pork sales slipped lower but bullish for 2021. Shipments for the week leading up to Christmas were very strong for both. For the week, Thursday December 24th through Thursday December 31st, December Live Cattle +$.80, February +$.05, January Feeder Cattle -$1.97, March -$2.10, February Lean Hogs +$3.32, April +$1.15, February Pork Cutout +$2.15. Cattle slaughter from Thursday estimated at…

Date: December 30th, 2020 Cattle futures tried to hold on but with corn and the soy complex hitting new contract highs again, the lackluster trading allowed pressure to spill over pushing both live and feeder cattle triple digits lower yesterday. Beef prices moving higher indicating good Christmas clearance is overall supportive. Cash feedlot trade asking prices this week $2 to $5 higher than last week’s trade at $110 live yet no activity to report. No salebarn reports for this week as most are closed for holidays and resume next week. The following are the only state recaps for the week ending December 24th… Missouri Weekly Cattle Auction Summary Livestock Weighted Average Report for 12/18/2020 - 12/24/2020 Compared to last week, feeder calves traded mostly steady…

Date: December 28th, 2020 The first week of holiday trade now complete as livestock futures finished last week mixed. Cash feedlot trade reported at mostly $2 higher than the week previous at $110 live in the South and $4 to $6 higher at $172 dressed in the North. Beef exports remain neutral as pork export sales slipped lower this past week but actual exports remain very strong. Mild liquidation in hog breeding herd that was confirmed in last week’s Quarterly Hog and Pig report… Inventory down 1% from a year ago Breeding herd down 3% Market hog numbers down 1% Fall farrowings down 1% and the pig crop down 1% For the week, Friday December 18th through Thursday December 24th, December Live Cattle +$1.67, February…

Date: December 16th, 2020 Livestock futures finished mixed yesterday as grains were higher. Live cattle contracts continue sideways this week as feeders and lean hogs held modest gains. Cash feedlot trade still waiting to develop as showlists appear to be smaller this week. There were a few small sales reported in the North yesterday, down another $2, at $105 live and $165 dressed. Cattle on Feed report coming out this Friday with hopefully a friendly report, at least for the spring/summer 2021 outlook. The average trade estimate for cattle on feed as of December 1st is right at 100% vs. a year ago. Placements though are again expected to be lower than year ago at 91% with Marketings at 98%. Chinese Ministry of Ag and…

Date: December 14th, 2020 Livestock futures mixed on Friday and for the week. Beef and cash feedlot trade though very disappointing this past week. Beef down over $21 this past week and over $30 so far this month. Cash feedlot trade $2 to $5 lower than the week previous at $106 to $108 live and dressed trade $167 to $170. Exports for beef also not very impressive while pork continues to be strong into China, Japan and Mexico. NATIONAL FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY – WEEK ENDING 12/11/2020 RECEIPTS: Auctions Direct Video/Internet Total This Week: 354,700 27,000 5,500 387,200 Last Week: 278,600 34,500 60,000 373,100 Year Ago: 347,200 34,400 1,900 383,500 Compared to last week, steers and heifers sold uneven; ranging from mostly 5.00 lower…

Date: December 9th, 2020 Livestock futures trading both sides of unchanged yesterday. Feeders tried to rally as corn prices were lower. Lean hog futures did hold onto small gains as pork prices continue to rally. Cash feedlot trade reported in KS and TX, roughly $2 lower than last week’s average at $108 live with dressed trade in the North at $170. Beef prices continue sharply lower after peaking in late November. There is some concern that inventories were building and now may not be needed as many areas of the country move back to stay at home orders in which in house restaurant dining has again been closed. Winter Livestock (Tuesday) - La Junta, CO Livestock Weighted Average Report for 12/8/2020 Total Receipts: 9,099 Last…

Date: December 8th, 2020 Livestock futures started the week triple digits lower. Live cattle traders somewhat disappointed in last week’s results as steady to higher cash feedlot trade developed early but faded to lower trade by the end of week. The pullback in beef prices not helping support higher prices for cattle either. Beef prices rallied $35 in November though with very small improvements in cash feedlot trade. Joplin Regional Stockyards Feeder Cattle - Carthage, MO Livestock Weighted Average Report for 12/7/2020 Total Receipts: 10,277 Last Week: 9,399 Last Year: 11,973 Compared to last Monday's sale, steers under 700 lbs steady, except bawling calves over 500 lbs 2.00 to 3.00 lower, steers over 700 lbs 2.00 to 4.00 lower, heifers 1.00 to 3.00 lower, except…