Figuring out markets has always been akin to estimating the speed and direction of unseen ghosts, more so since the commodity bubble and financial collapse....More

While cattlemen realize some of the most rewarding times in the history of their industry due to unprecedented price levels, they may need to guard against complacency as there are several factors that could threaten that status. What if interest rates increased by 2%? What if the U.S. dollar increased in value? What if feeder and fed cattle prices moderated? What if input costs continue to increase? A mini-conference set for the Mitchell Regional Extension Center will address these concerns....More

In his Monthly Market Profile for BEEF magazine, Western Kentucky University’s Nevil Speer says the primary story during the past several months revolves around cattle feeders. They’ve done a great job fending off the onslaught of negative pressure, he says, but serious cracks began to appear in April....More

“Record-high stocker prices this spring have producers and their lenders nervous about the financial exposure of summer stockers,” says Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist. “Feeder prices have dropped the last month but the change has actually decreased the stocker margin, i.e., the value of gain for summer stockers. Moreover, the changing price relationships have changed the implications for stocker production and marketing.”...More