Date: Jul 27 2023
| CAB InsiderWith fed cattle carcass weights now set to steadily increase into at least October, carcass quality grades typically decline beginning in early August. Lighter placements and continued smaller slaughter totals will keep product supplies in check. Labor Day demand is just weeks away and with that uptick, the quality-based price spreads are likely to perform quite well.
Date: Jul 26 2023
| CAB InsiderFrom a cattlemen’s perspective and fed cattle management standpoint, I would look for continued wide quality grade premiums as well as Certified Angus Beef ® brand premiums on those packer grids. I would manage cattle and price cattle for our placements moving forward accordingly.
Date: Jul 13 2023
| CAB InsiderNow is the time for cattlemen to evaluate the potential for exceptionally strong premiums in high quality CAB traditional and Prime carcasses down the road. When high quality carcasses are in short supply the price spreads tend to explode. Be ready.
Date: Jun 28 2023
| CAB InsiderTwo weeks ago fed steer prices reached a new record fueled by strong demand and restricted headcounts. But we knew there was a seasonal ceiling and it lasted only as quickly as one can say “seasonal trend.” Paul shares more insights in this CAB Insider.
Date: Jun 15 2023
| CAB Insider & Premium PotentialThe northern quality grade is only materially slipping as compared to the quality-rich years of 2020 and 2021. Exceptional quality premiums are not a theme in this record-high fed cattle market but above average cattle have never been a liability.
Date: May 31 2023
| CAB InsiderMost recent USDA quality grade data updates carcass grading trends through May 19. This is precisely the week on the calendar at which the percentage of carcasses meeting USDA Prime marbling levels have sharply decreased in each of the past three years.
Date: May 24 2023
| CAB InsiderNow, we’re well into the second quarter of 2023, but backing up to the first of the year, there have been two overriding trends in the fed cattle supply. The first of which has been those fewer headcounts that we’ve seen harvested on a weekly basis, down about 2.7% year to date as well.
Date: May 10 2023
| CAB InsiderCurrent carcass values are being underpinned by positive price moves from several carcass cuts, and we’ve just named a few. The classic spring price rally from ribs is in a counter-seasonal pattern and strips are modestly sideways. End users are seeking value items to partially offset shorter supplies and higher prices.
Date: Apr 26 2023
| CAB Insider & Targeting the BrandAs you’re contemplating the future impact of today’s genetic decisions, consider the marketability of both feeder calves and potential replacement heifer progeny. There are plenty of sires that excel in EPD rankings for a variety of maternal, production and carcass traits to advance the goals of the cow-calf and feedyard sectors.
Date: Mar 08 2023
| CAB InsiderFeed cattle carcass weights have tracked a decidedly lower course this winter with the steer/heifer mix 18 lb. lighter since January 1. Winter weather has left a lasting mark on feedyard performance this season as feed efficiency has slipped away and industry production pounds followed lower.
