The Farmer's Weblog
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Wednesday, October 16, 2002 |
During the last four weeks, eggs set on average have been down 4.25 percent on a nationwide basis. USDA[base ']s eggs set data is for commercial hatcheries and refers to the number of eggs put into incubators, a key early stage in the broiler production process. During the last two weeks of September, USDA data showed eggs set fell 4.9 and 4.5 percent while this past week (week ending October 5th) eggs set were reported at 6 percent below last year. These have been very large year-to-year changes; in fact, some industry participants have categorized the recent declines in eggs set as [base "]unprecedented[per thou].
8:59:19 AM
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The steer by-product value, which includes such products as the hide, tongue, and liver, is driven by the export market, in particular the demand for hides from Asia. On the supply side, it is the number of steers and heifers being marketed that powers the by-product value, which in turn effects fed cattle prices. Last fall, as the supply of cattle being slaughtered rose and export demand was soft, the by-product value fell, adding pressure to an already soft fed cattle market.
8:57:58 AM
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Several factors influence calf and yearling prices. Prospects for calf prices look better now than at this time a month ago. Yearling prices (700-to 800-pound steers) have remained relatively strong due to rather tight supplies, even in the face of continued red ink for feedlot closeouts.
8:55:11 AM
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