Think Outside the Barn

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

The sun and warm weather saw tractors finally make it to the fields as spring planting got underway. Corn prices found pressure as kernels of seed corn were laid in the ground. The Choice boxed-beef cut-out also set an all time high on Thursday at $208.99. Although both these factors should be viewed as positives for the cattle producer, they seemed to be overshadowed by projections of the high April placements expected in Friday afternoon's Cattle on Feed report .

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

Compared to last week, feeder steers under 700 lbs were lower, while steers over 700 lbs were steady to higher.  Holstein steers sold steady to higher, and feeder heifers were steady to slightly lower.  Widely varying flesh conditions were noted in most sales this week as new crop fall calves continue to hit the market.    

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Sarah Wilkinson, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Weekly Market Summary

While the gains in the weekly trend look good on paper, only the most in-demand cattle, those that are uniform, weaned and part of a health program, saw realistic gains.  The rest of the offering saw only moderate demand and were steady with last week.  Receipts continue to be stronger than expected, even with some cattlemen unable to get their loads to town on account of the mud and muck.  With unusual May snow on the ground in parts of the state, our corn fields remain patiently waiting. Cattle feeders are certainly looking forward to possibility of cheaper new crop corn and are cheering for the USDA prediction of a record crop to come true. 

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Sarah Wilkinson, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

Last week's rally at local auction barns, along with warmer than average temperatures and lower corn prices, had many producers execited headed into this week.  However, that excitement faded for many as supplies were moderate to heavy at sales throughout the week.  Receipts were large this week, as producers who had been holding cattle decided to take those to market ahead of grass turnout and planting season.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

This week’s story was basically a continuation of the past several weeks. Cattle which are suitable for grazing are still taking a hit in the markets, but have held out better than those headed for the feedlots. Supply was moderate to heavy, although some markets late in the week were affected by an early spring snow storm.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

 

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

Pressure continues to weigh heavy on the market for those cattle heading to corn rations. Tight supplies and backgrounder’s plans for lush green pastures in a few weeks did however push the stocker market higher on some of the higher quality calves in the condition to gain weight quickly.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

The feeder supply was light to moderate this week. The most talked about factor might have been the late week winter storm that basically shut down not only the state, but much of the Midwest. Nearly all late week auctions were closed as producers were unable get cattle to the barn.  If they could get cattle there, buyers did not want to be out and truckers sure did not want to head across country with a pot load of cattle only to find roads closed. The moisture from this storm was well-received, however.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

The supply of feeders was moderate with prices being about the only deterrent from marketing cattle this week. Although southwestern parts of the state received enough snow to cover the ground, it came in the form of big fluffy flakes and was short lived. Quality feeders with good health programs are still finding the most desire, even with tighter supplies. 

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618

In the News - Bigger Cattle; Smaller Steaks

Farmers and ranchers have long known that yield increases can make a significant improvement to an operation's bottom line.

Improving technology and genetic bases have increased the size of cattle carcasses over time, however those larger steaks may not be where consumer preferences are headed. 

The folks at BEEF magazine dug deep into the topic and applied some interesting meat science statistics.

"It's a conundrum that's been a long time coming, says Dale Woerner, Colorado State University meats scientist. Carcass weights are increasing at the same time consumers are looking for smaller portion sizes. It's a situation that cattlemen and consumers have been adapting to, and dealing with, for 30 years or more."

Check out the full story at beefmagazine.com or by clicking here.

Weekly Livestock Market Summary

The feeder supply was heavy this week. Following last week's shortened holiday schedule, many visiting family members may have found themselves commissioned as honorary cowpokes for the weekend.

This week’s reported volume was the second largest week of the year surpassed only by the week ending January 13, 2012, which was the first full non holiday week of the year and historically the largest volume week of the year.

To view the full report, visit the MDA Market News website.

Source: MO Dept of Ag-USDA Market News Service, Jefferson City, MO
            Tony Hancock, Market Reporter, (573) 751-5618