The Farmer's Weblog
 |
Wednesday, June 11, 2003 |
Cattle feeders have enjoyed several months of profitability. In fact, through May estimated cattle feeding returns (based on feeding a 750 pound steer) were positive for six consecutive months, the longest positive string since 1999. Estimated monthly average returns this year have exceeded $50.00 per steer sold in January, February, and May. Estimated returns will moderate in the summer as fed cattle prices move seasonally lower. Feeding returns could turn negative this fall depending on how high feeder cattle prices are this summer. Still, 2003 looks to be a positive return year for most cattle feeders.
8:05:00 PM
comment []
Most major cattle producing regions of the U.S. are not at least a full month into their traditional spring/summer grazing season. Overall U.S. pasture and range conditions continued to improve compared to a year ago. However, in some regions pasture and range condition prospects are somewhat uncertain due to limited subsoil moisture reserves.
8:02:32 PM
comment []
Federally Inspected (FI) hog slaughter posted a year-to-year decline in April. On a monthly basis, that was the first year-to-year decline since November 2002. FI hog slaughter continued to be below the year prior in May. In recent weeks, FI sow slaughter has been running just slightly above a year ago, still, relative to the breeding hog inventory reported by USDA-NASS in the quarterly Hogs and Pigs report for May 1, 2003, the slaughter level indicated liquidation of sows but at a rate that is not as high as intended to occur earlier this year. Slaughter barrow and gilt prices in May were the strongest posted since 2001.
7:58:39 PM
comment []
