Markets

Temple Grandin: LFTB Underscores Transparency Need

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:30:00 +0000

The social media frenzy that led to a retailer pullback on lean finely textured beef is reversible, says Temple Grandin. But the experience offers a lesson on the need for more transparency in how livestock producers operate and how protein is processed, the noted animal handling expert says.

Make Your Ranch Better, Before You Make It Bigger

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:38:00 +0000

In past cattle cycles, I felt it took average profits of over $200/cow to stimulate a full-blown beef herd expansion. So, what was the profit level of a typical 2011 beef cowherd? Let’s look at the 2011 average for 42 beef cowherds representing the western region of North Dakota.

Market Advisor

Vilification Of LFTB Reaches From Industry To Consumers

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:54:00 +0000

I bought a package of fresh ground beef at the grocery store the other day. It was a good deal at $2.49/lb., as retail ground beef prices have been rising the past year, like all other beef prices. Ground beef is no longer as price competitive with pork or chicken items as it used to be.

Meat Matters

Sharp Drop In Cattle In Feedlots

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:49:00 +0000

Des Moines Register

USDA reports a 15% drop in new cattle coming into the nation’s feedlots, foretelling another tightening of meat supplies later this year.

Corn Crop Could Be Record Large

Tue, 22 May 2012 02:01:00 +0000

Corn production is forecast at a record 14.8 billion bu., according to this month’s World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE). That would be a staggering 2.4 billion bu. more than last year. The season-average farm price for the new crop is projected at $4.20-$5/bu., down sharply from the 2011-12 record projected at $5.95-$6.25/bu.

Wholesale Prices Lift Cattle Futures

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:01:00 +0000

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.

Marketing Undergoing Subtle But Major Shift

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:26:00 +0000

There have been a multitude of attempts to try to fix the problems created by a commodity system; everything from grids, to branded programs, to age and source verification, have created ways to recognize and capture value. While these programs have grown demand and increased total dollars available to purchase cattle and beef, they haven’t knocked down the barriers that keep the industry’s pricing systems based on commodity averages, rather than true value.

My View From The Country

Start Your Fall Marketing Now

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:26:00 +0000

This is the time when cattlemen should be contacting the last 10 purchasers of their product to see how they performed for them. Customer feedback is often far less expensive than consultants, and the results often far more compelling. Hopefully, you’ll hear glowing reports, but it’s the criticisms that will allow you to improve.

My View From The Country

Cow Prices Remain At Record Levels

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:32:00 +0000

Livestock Marketing Information Center’s In The Cattle Markets

Since late February, cull cow have averaged about $10 higher than last year. Those high 2011 prices occurred despite a 15% higher slaughter rate than the five-year average, and were buoyed by strong demand for manufacturing grade cow beef and lower beef imports. Conversely, the higher cow prices in 2012 are the result of lower cow slaughter and continued strong demand for 90% lean boneless beef.

Vilsack: Beef Consumption Steady

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Des Moines Register

U.S. beef consumption has remained strong despite attacks questioning the safety of lean trimmings in hamburger, according to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.