New data from USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) shows that changes in drought conditions impact the size of the U.S. beef cattle herd. Specifically, when the percentage of land area of drought increases for an extended period as noted in the U.S. Drought Monitor, the U.S. beef cattle herd often declines. In 2023, with more than 65 percent of U.S. …
USCA Calls Product of USA Rule a Victory
The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) calls USDA’s final voluntary ‘Product of USA‘ rule a victory. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the rule earlier this week at the National Farmers Union annual convention. USCA has worked tirelessly to clarify years of confusion at the consumer level regarding the labeling of U.S. beef products. Starting in 2017, USCA’s Director Emeritus Leo …
Good Demand Found at Recent Cattle Sale
Continued good demand is being found for both feeders and calves across the country. Mark Oppold looks at how cattle sold during a recent sale.
Predicting Factors for the Upcoming Growing Season
A new report looks at some factors that could affect various crops in the upcoming growing season. Mark Oppold has more on that, but first looks at how some commodities are trading thus far this year.
New Resource for Maximizing Cattle Profitability
A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and CattleFax helps producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions. The resource is called “Right Way, Right Time – A Guide to Cull Cattle Management” (.pdf) and is now available. With effective planning, cull cattle can be a significant source of revenue and should not be overlooked. Cull cattle …
The Winter that Wasn’t
Winter weather conditions overall were a bit warmer than what is normal. Mark Oppold has more details.
Senators: Livestock Consolidation a “Bad Deal” For Consumers, Ranchers
Senators Chuck Grassley and Jon Tester encourage their Senate colleagues to oppose recent efforts that they say will weaken the Packers and Stockyards Act. The upcoming Fiscal year 2024 Agriculture Appropriations bill (.pdf) includes provisions Grassley and Tester say would “prevent USDA from enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act to hold multi-national food manufacturers accountable.” Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and …
NFU Leads Letter to Congress: Uphold Packers and Stockyards Act Progress
Last week, the National Farmers Union (NFU) sent a letter to Appropriations Committee leadership (.pdf) opposing restrictions that would undo work to revitalize the Packers and Stockyards Act. The letter, signed by national, regional, and state organizations, points out that “opponents of competitive agricultural markets are seeking to roll back the work USDA has already completed, prevent USDA from making …
Seeing Highs in Cattle Markets
We have been seeing some highs in both cattle and feeder futures. Mark Oppold has more on that, along with a reminder about the corporate earnings season.
Forecasting Profitability in the Cattle Industry
During the recent Cattle Industry Convention in Orlando, CattleFax noted the smallest beef cow inventory in the last 50 years, coupled with historically strong demand, led to those higher average fed cattle and calf prices in 2023. And as reduced cattle numbers and beef production continue over the next three years, they note leverage and profitability will continue to favor cattle producers. …