CAB Cattle https://cabcattle.com/ Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:00:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://cabcattle.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cattleman-connection-logo-150x150.png CAB Cattle https://cabcattle.com/ 32 32 $100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships https://cabcattle.com/100000-up-for-grabs-with-2024-colvin-scholarships/ https://cabcattle.com/100000-up-for-grabs-with-2024-colvin-scholarships/#respond Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:00:21 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=66157 Certified Angus Beef is offering $100,000 in scholarships for agricultural college students through the 2024 Colvin Scholarship Fund. Aspiring students passionate about agriculture and innovation, who live in the U.S. or Canada, are encouraged to apply before the April 30 deadline. With the Colvin Scholarship Fund honoring Louis M. “Mick” Colvin’s legacy, Certified Angus Beef continues its commitment to cultivating future leaders in the beef industry.

The post $100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

​$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

Applications are open through April 30 for Certified Angus Beef’s scholarship fund, supporting college students pursuing food and agriculture.

by Courtney Weekley

March 19, 2024

Continuing to support the next generation of leaders in the beef industry, Certified Angus Beef (CAB) will give a record amount of $100,000 in scholarships across three categories this year. College students with a passion for agriculture and a drive to innovate are encouraged to apply for this scholarship opportunity.

The Colvin Scholarship Fund, named in honor of Louis M. “Mick” Colvin, co-founder and former executive director of CAB, aims to empower students who are dedicated to advancing the beef industry. Over its two-decade legacy, the fund has supported more than one hundred students pursuing their educational and professional goals in agriculture. With increasing support from brand partners, this amount continues to grow. In 2023, the CAB awarded $81,500 to 23 scholars.

 (left to right) Lizzie Schafer, Butler Community College; Madison Bemisderfer, Pennsylvania State University; Keayla Harr, Oklahoma State University at the 2023 Annual Conference Colvin Scholarship Fund Golf Outing.

“The Colvin Scholarship Fund represents our commitment to nurturing the future leaders of the beef industry,” says Danielle Matter, director of brand experience and education. “We are thrilled to increase our support this year, providing even more opportunities for aspiring professionals.”

The 2024 Colvin Scholarship supports the next generation of agricultural leaders who are dedicated to preserving farm and ranch traditions, researching and developing improved beef quality practices and devoting their careers, studies and activities to making the beef industry even better.

The production agriculture, undergraduate and graduate scholarship categories each have unique requirements including essay questions, resumes, and letters of recommendation.

“I want to thank the sponsors so much for giving us the opportunity to continue with the next generation and continue advancing this amazing industry,” Schafer says.

Harr with sponsor at Colvin Scholarship Fund Golf Outing.

Applications for the 2024 Colvin Scholarship will undergo a comprehensive evaluation process, considering factors based upon the applicants’ academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, communication skills and commitment to the beef industry. A selection committee comprised of industry experts and CAB representatives will carefully review each application to identify the most deserving candidates.

Scholarship recipients will receive financial support and the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and mentors. Top-place winners in each category will receive $7,500 USD and an all-expense paid trip to the 2024 CAB Annual Conference in Verona, NY providing them with a platform to connect with professionals from across the beef industry.

Applications for the 2024 Colvin Scholarship are now open and will close April 30. Interested students who live in the U.S. or Canada can apply. Learn more about eligibility criteria and apply by visiting https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/recruiting/

You may also like

$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

Certified Angus Beef is offering $100,000 in scholarships for agricultural college students through the 2024 Colvin Scholarship Fund. Aspiring students passionate about agriculture and innovation, who live in the U.S. or Canada, are encouraged to apply before the April 30 deadline. With the Colvin Scholarship Fund honoring Louis M. “Mick” Colvin’s legacy, Certified Angus Beef continues its commitment to cultivating future leaders in the beef industry.

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Raised with Respect™ was developed as part of a strategic cattle care partnership between Sysco and CAB. The collaboration focuses on supporting farmers and ranchers, equipping them with continuing education to stay current on best management practices and helping to increase consumer confidence in beef production.

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

As drought conditions persist across much of cattle country, farmers and ranchers are at a pivotal juncture in the cattle industry’s landscape. What impact does this prolonged dry spell have on the nation’s herd numbers? When will heifer retention begin? How will industry dynamics influence the spring bull sale season?

The post $100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/100000-up-for-grabs-with-2024-colvin-scholarships/feed/ 0
Carcass Quality Set to Climb Seasonally https://cabcattle.com/carcass-quality-set-to-climb-seasonally/ https://cabcattle.com/carcass-quality-set-to-climb-seasonally/#respond Thu, 04 Jan 2024 17:52:17 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=66112 With the arrival of the new year the beef market will rapidly adjust to changes in consumer buying habits. This will remove demand pressure from ribs and tenderloins, realigning the contribution of these most valuable beef cuts to a smaller percentage of carcass value

The post Carcass Quality Set to Climb Seasonally appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

feedyard cattle

MARKET UPDATE

Last week’s holiday-disrupted cattle harvest schedule proved to yield a very small total for the week with an estimated 508,000 head, down 5.6% on the same week a year ago. That suggests packers will need to fill their inventory due to this week’s shortened slaughter from Monday’s holiday.

Further evidence of spotmarket, fed cattle demand came through in a sharp uptick in fed cattle values. Last week’s fed steer price average of $172.24/cwt. was $2.98/cwt. higher than the week prior. The last week of the year often culminates in a brief, bullish fed cattle market and last week’s action adds confirmation to the trend.

Urner Barry January 3 2024

Live cattle futures this Tuesday were also much higher as February becomes the front month on the CME board. The February contract was higher by more than $3.25/cwt. by mid-afternoon with April more than $2.00/cwt. higher. Given the recent depression in spot market fed cattle prices it appears to many market observers that a short-term bottom has been marked after a seven-week spiral dropping spot market values $16/cwt.

Carcass cutout values were mixed in last week’s report in what could be summarized as a sideways market. CAB tenderloin prices are rapidly retreating from their lofty record-highs with last week’s $17.40/lb. wholesale price down 7% from the high in late November. Ribeye prices were also a bit lower last week but have only adjusted 2% from their December highs.

Many of the end meat cuts pulled to dramatically lower prices in December as is the seasonal tendency. Last week’s summary showed price stabilizing or slightly higher with the expectation for modestly firmer values in January. Consumer demand following the holidays tends to favor roasts as winter weather develops just as holiday spending hits home for many households with additional buildup of consumer credit card debt.

Carcass Quality Set to Climb Seasonally

With the arrival of the new year the beef market will rapidly adjust to changes in consumer buying habits. This will remove demand pressure from ribs and tenderloins, realigning the contribution of these most valuable beef cuts to a smaller percentage of carcass value. This expected shift seasonally tends to combine with rising carcass quality grade trends through March, narrowing price spreads between USDA quality grades and CAB branded product.

In the past 5 years the Choice/Select spread has peaked at an average of $22/cwt. in early November, remaining in a range between $20 and $25/cwt. through the first week in December. This November/December timeline has defined the annual widest Choice/Select spread in the average 5-year data, although brief departures to even wider spreads can be noted in other months in given years. The largest CAB cutout premium over USDA Choice followed a similar fourth quarter high in 2022 but has been more common in the low supply/high demand period of early June in other recent years.

CAB accepted carcasses 2019-2023

The first quarter of 2024 promises to deliver higher average carcass quality grades, particularly as carcass weights remain record-large. The latest confirmed data places steer carcasses at 941 lb. for the week of December 11th, the record so far. The slowed pace of slaughter has yet to show any sustained increases as well. Unless this changes front-end cattle supplies will continue to be elevated along with average days on feed.

These factors should couple with the typical seasonal pattern in the first quarter to track carcass quality to their highest annual levels by March. In March of 2023 CAB carcass certification topped out at 41% of eligible cattle, very near the record of 41.5% set in the same month of 2021. While we won’t predict another record-high this year, the above trends are, so far, aligned to position the share of quality carcasses near the top of the historical range by the end of Q1.

The post Carcass Quality Set to Climb Seasonally appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/carcass-quality-set-to-climb-seasonally/feed/ 0
Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall https://cabcattle.com/raised-with-respect-cattle-care-campaign-launched-this-fall/ https://cabcattle.com/raised-with-respect-cattle-care-campaign-launched-this-fall/#respond Wed, 20 Dec 2023 18:55:50 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=66093 Raised with Respect™ was developed as part of a strategic cattle care partnership between Sysco and CAB. The collaboration focuses on supporting farmers and ranchers, equipping them with continuing education to stay current on best management practices and helping to increase consumer confidence in beef production.

The post Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

BQA Bash at the 2023 Angus Convention

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Certified Angus Beef and Sysco join forces to support farmers and ranchers, the beef community as a whole.

by Lindsay Runft

December 19, 2023

Respect for animals, respect for the land and respect for each other – the foundation of a new campaign from Sysco, the global leader in foodservice distribution, and Certified Angus Beef (CAB), a brand known for its commitment to quality beef. The campaign, Raised with Respect™, centers on the common ground found between cattle producers and beef consumers, with a focus on animal welfare and beef sustainability.

Raised with Respect™ was developed as part of a strategic cattle care partnership between Sysco and CAB. The collaboration focuses on supporting farmers and ranchers, equipping them with continuing education to stay current on best management practices and helping to increase consumer confidence in beef production.

Through the partnership, Sysco and CAB are providing Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and certification to farmers and ranchers in nine key cattle production states. To elevate the trainings, bringing dynamic educational opportunities to cattle country, Sysco and CAB are collaborating with state entities who also have a vested interest in BQA.

Launching at the 2023 Angus Convention in November, two campaign events were held in Orlando, Florida. Collaborating with Florida Beef Council and the American Angus Association, a BQA training was offered to educate and certify Angus ranchers. Another event, the BQA Bash, celebrated the commitment of ranchers who are currently BQA-certified. Nearly 100 producers attended the training and more than 200 attended the BQA Bash.

Kirsten Nickles presenting CAB and Sysco's Raised with Respect™ campaign.

Following Angus Convention, additional Raised with Respect™ BQA trainings took place in Texas and Montana. The campaign will continue through June 2024, with the six remaining BQA trainings occurring in Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

BQA, a nationally recognized education and certification program, encompasses the best practices for cattle care, including animal handling, nutrition and responsible use of antibiotics.

“Certified Angus Beef supports BQA because it’s a credible and effective way for producers to communicate animal welfare to people on the opposite end of the beef supply chain.” says Bruce Cobb, CAB executive vice president of production. “By building trust with this segment and consumers, we can help secure the strong beef demand we’ve been experiencing into the future.”

According to research from NCBA (on behalf of the Beef Checkoff), 70% of consumers agreed that BQA certification increased their confidence in knowing the beef they eat is safe, and 67% agreed that it increased their confidence that cattle are humanely raised. Prior to learning about the program, 44% of consumers had positive perceptions about cattle production and that increased to 70% after learning of the BQA program.

Cattle producers interested in completing BQA training, but not able to attend an in-person event, are encouraged to complete the free course online. More information about Raised with Respect™, including dates and locations of BQA events, and a direct link to online BQA education and training, can be found at www.cabcattle.com/RaisedWithRespect.

You may also like

$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

Certified Angus Beef is offering $100,000 in scholarships for agricultural college students through the 2024 Colvin Scholarship Fund. Aspiring students passionate about agriculture and innovation, who live in the U.S. or Canada, are encouraged to apply before the April 30 deadline. With the Colvin Scholarship Fund honoring Louis M. “Mick” Colvin’s legacy, Certified Angus Beef continues its commitment to cultivating future leaders in the beef industry.

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Raised with Respect™ was developed as part of a strategic cattle care partnership between Sysco and CAB. The collaboration focuses on supporting farmers and ranchers, equipping them with continuing education to stay current on best management practices and helping to increase consumer confidence in beef production.

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

As drought conditions persist across much of cattle country, farmers and ranchers are at a pivotal juncture in the cattle industry’s landscape. What impact does this prolonged dry spell have on the nation’s herd numbers? When will heifer retention begin? How will industry dynamics influence the spring bull sale season?

The post Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/raised-with-respect-cattle-care-campaign-launched-this-fall/feed/ 0
Misaligned Cattle Markets and Record-high Carcass Weights https://cabcattle.com/misaligned-cattle-markets-and-record-high-carcass-weights/ https://cabcattle.com/misaligned-cattle-markets-and-record-high-carcass-weights/#respond Mon, 11 Dec 2023 13:00:14 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=66084 Few things in cattle market trends are entirely predictable but the fact that carcass weights peak in November is as close to a sure bet as one could identify. Genetic selection for growth and advancing mature size has fueled the long-term increase in carcass weights.

The post Misaligned Cattle Markets and Record-high Carcass Weights appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

feedyard cattle

MARKET UPDATE

Weekly cash-fed cattle values have continued to deteriorate in the wake of the oversold Live Cattle futures. Our update two weeks ago featured the idea that the two latest Cattle on Feed reports had generated an overreaction in rapidly devalued futures prices. That condition only worsened beginning on the Friday after Thanksgiving through Monday this week. Looking at the February 2023 Live Cattle contract reveals a 14% decline in value from September 1 through December 4. Both of the up-front December and February contracts were valued at $168/cwt. on Tuesday of this week.

Without getting too emotionally vested in this news, it’s intuitive that the December contract is misaligned with the cash market, established last week at $174/cwt. Certainly, very few on the live cattle side of the market agree that this cash value is representative of where cash values should be today, but it’s $6/cwt. more realistic, to the upside, than futures.

Urner Barry Dec 6 2023

On a positive note it appears that high quality beef is in demand and buying interest for wholesale boxed beef held firm to slightly higher price points in the week since Thanksgiving. Price spreads are creating separation based on carcass quality as the Choice/Select spread charted $30.17/cwt. again last week and the CAB/Choice spread widened by $1.60/cwt. to average $18.15/cwt. on Urner Barry’s report. Of particular interest to our readers is the Prime/Choice spread, last quoted by USDA at $28.59/cwt. A year ago the Prime cutout was wildly inflated to $67.87/cwt. over Choice.

End meats, particularly round items, are currently pulling carcass cutout values lower as seasonal price weakness is noted. Spot market attention is focused on middle meats, where most of the upward pricing pressure is observed in latest data. CAB tenderloins were quoted last week at a record-high $18.85/cwt. wholesale, $2.30/cwt. higher than a year ago. Ribeyes have regained buying interest and higher prices last week as well at a wholesale market average of $14.00/lb. Strip loins round out the middle meat trifecta, moving swiftly higher to $8.38/lb. last week since starting November at $7.48/lb.

 

 

CARCASS WEIGHTS HIT RECORD HIGHS

Few things in cattle market trends are entirely predictable but the fact that carcass weights peak in November is as close to a sure bet as one could identify. The typical pattern traces weights to their annual lightest measures in late May or early June. Steer weights then increase roughly 2.3 lb. per week for 24 weeks to culminate in a 51 lb. increase to their November highs.

Annual average steer and heifer carcasses have increased 5 lb. in a decades-long series of data. That relatively stable pattern was upset in 2020 when packing disruptions and subsequent fed cattle backlog sent combined fed cattle weights 26 lb. heavier than 2019. Those of us predicting a downward correction as the backlog subsided were barely correct. Carcasses averaged 878 lb. in 2021, just 2 lb. lighter than the prior year. Even though early 2021 was still marked with heavy backlog-affected cattle, a new frontier for finished cattle weights had been charted. The industry had adjusted to previously unfathomable weights as packers, feeders and truckers adjusted facilities and management to match.

Advancing to 2023, the first four months featured lighter carcasses than the prior year, but then catching up and tracking in line with 2022 weights from May through the fall. Latest USDA data for the week of November 13th reveals new record-heavy carcass weights as the seasonal heaviest point is being sought. Steers for that week hung at an average 936 lb. and heifers pushed the scales at 854 lb. each. Steers climbed 5 lb. on the week prior and heifers jumped a tremendous 8 lb. on the week. These weights could still be bested as the lagging November data is posted in the near future.

steer carcass weights 2023

Genetic selection for growth and advancing mature size has fueled the long-term increase in carcass weights. As well, average feedlot days on feed have slowly increased year over year. In the short term, feeder cattle replacement costs in a time of declining supplies incentivize cattle feeders to opt for more days on feed for their current inventory when breakevens show net losses in the future.

From an end-product perspective, carcass size has long passed ideal dimensions for middle meats at both restaurant and grocery stores. While ribeyes well above 14 square inches are not desired, there are clear benefits derived from more days on a high energy ration in the feeding phase. The industry as a whole has been winning stronger beef demand for years through a higher quality carcass mix offered to consumers. Premiums have increased, although not linearly, for USDA Prime and CAB carcasses such that the value differences are not to be ignored. At an even more basic level, the current $30/cwt. Choice/Select spread is not just incentive to consider pursuing marbling as an ancilary benefit. Rather, the Select carcass discount is fairly severe punishment for the feeder on grid pricing structures.

The post Misaligned Cattle Markets and Record-high Carcass Weights appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/misaligned-cattle-markets-and-record-high-carcass-weights/feed/ 0
Credit End Meats With CAB Value-Add https://cabcattle.com/credit-end-meats-with-cab-value-add/ https://cabcattle.com/credit-end-meats-with-cab-value-add/#respond Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:52:25 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=66059 We focused on fourth-quarter middle meat demand as a beef price driver in the last edition of the Insider. This is certainly the case in the current data as rib and tenderloins are pricing near their annual highs. However, a look at annual price trends across the beef carcass shows increasing contributions to CAB premiums from both ends of the carcass.

The post Credit End Meats With CAB Value-Add appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

feedyard cattle

MARKET UPDATE

Fed cattle prices have been under pressure for the past two weeks with yet another $2.19/cwt. average decline in last week’s fed steer values. This culminates into a two-week downward adjustment of $7/cwt. in cash fed cattle prices.

The now month-old October 1st Cattle on Feed report, with a surprising increase in September placements and October 1st feedlot inventory numbers, has generated much response in CME Live Cattle futures trading. While a degree of price pessimism is expected when cattle supply metrics make unexpected upward moves, many agree that the extent of the downward shift is overdone.

The November 1st Cattle on Feed report, published last Friday, was more aligned with analyst expectations. As a result it did not create a dramatic move in futures trading.

Urne Barry November 22, 2023

On the other side of the coin, packer margins remain negative and wholesale boxed beef prices continued to pull lower in last week’s averages. This fundamental information should be much more pertinent to weekly spot cattle prices than the volatile futures market. Unfortunately for cattle feeders, these conditions don’t build a case for upward price expectations.

Boxed beef activity last week saw lower prices across most of the beef cuts as packer supplies were adequate and buyers acknowledged the brief shift of focus toward Thanksgiving. This allowed beef prices to settle.

Rib prices tend to reach their annual peak in November, as the small volume of uncommitted supplies trade on sharp holiday demand ahead of December. Last week’s Certified Angus Beef® brand average heavy-rib price was 3% lower than the prior week, suggesting the high had already been put in place. Yet, yesterday brought increased interest and upticks in price so we’ll watch with interest for the next two weeks.

Certified Angus Beef ® tenderloin values are near record, all-time highs as last week’s $18.10/cwt. wholesale price was just a few cents cheaper than two weeks earlier.

Credit End Meats with Certified Angus Beef ® brand Value-Add

We focused on fourth-quarter middle meat demand as a beef price driver in the last edition of the Insider. This is certainly the case in the current data as rib and tenderloins are pricing near their annual highs. However, a look at annual price trends across the beef carcass shows increasing contributions to CAB premiums from both ends of the carcass.

The chart shows widening price spreads between Select, Choice and CAB end meats as they are summarized by total value per hundredweight in both the chuck and round primals. The cutout values represented by the bars show both the USDA Choice and CAB values for the chuck and round primals in relation to USDA Select. Notice that in 2018 and 2019 the Choice premium over Select is virtually indiscernible, well below $1.00/cwt. for both Choice chuck and round items for each of those years. In 2020 the Choice round value began to build a premium over Select with a $2.50/cwt. value that would increase in the following two years. Despite this, the Choice chuck price somehow notched a $3.51/cwt. discount to Select in 2020 before correcting and building rapidly into 2023.

One of the unique attributes about the Certified Angus Beef ® brand is the fact that value creation through premium attributes and branding is not isolated to the middle meat steaks and roasts. Indeed, both the CAB rib and loin primals carry a larger price premium than the chuck and round. However, the higher trending premiums derived from the less famous end meats are to be credited with a good portion of the increasing total carcass cutout premium that CAB carcasses command today.

CAB and Choice Primal Cutout Values vs Select Graph

Comprising 29.6% and 22.3% of total carcass weight, respectively, the chuck and round are the heaviest primals, followed closely by the loin at 21.3%. This means that while the premium per pound is much smaller for the end meat primals, total dollars per carcass are not insignificant. The chuck, weighing more than the round and commanding a higher premium per pound wins the day, generating a $33.99 premium per head over Choice and $48.32 per-head over Select so far in 2023.

CAB round primal cutout premiums are not quite as attractive but still increasingly adding value where USDA Choice has, until most recently, struggled to find any price differentiation from Select. In 2023 the total carcass premium contribution from the CAB round has been $15.44 per head over Choice and $20.44 per head above Select.

This year cuts from the round have pulled back slightly in value in proportion to total carcass value. The pullback is only to the degree of half of a percentage point, yet the lighter demand also set the CAB round premium contribution slightly lower than a year ago. However, the CAB chuck premium is at its largest ever at $13.05/cwt. over Choice.

The post Credit End Meats With CAB Value-Add appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/credit-end-meats-with-cab-value-add/feed/ 0
Middle Meats and Supply Driving Fourth Quarter Spreads https://cabcattle.com/middle-meats-and-supply-driving-fourth-quarter-spreads/ https://cabcattle.com/middle-meats-and-supply-driving-fourth-quarter-spreads/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 20:56:38 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=66031 At the retail level, November brings a brief shift in focus, away from beef to turkey and ham, for Thanksgiving meals. Turkeys are the classic "loss leader" item in grocery stores during November as retailers practically give them away to lure a volume of shoppers to spend on the high-margin center of the store goods.

The post Middle Meats and Supply Driving Fourth Quarter Spreads appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

feedyard cattle

MARKET UPDATE

The fed cattle market remained very steady last week with a fractionally higher cash fed steer price at $184.92/cwt. While a positive trend at face value, many in the cattle feeding sector were disappointed that the market did not develop as strong as expected.

Urner Barry November 8, 2023

Live Cattle futures activity has been excessively volatile in the past 10 days following the suprisingly large feedlot placements number in the October 1 Cattle on Feed report. Nearby contracts had posted some recovery through last Thursday but have since deteriorated in a very large way. The December contract dipped about $6/cwt. since last Friday’s open through this Tuesday’s close.


Seasonally, cash fed cattle prices have increased 4.8% during the month of November in the past five years. Given the relative currentness of fed cattle supplies at this time the quite bearish values in Live Cattle futures defies fundamentals. This is particularly obvious with the December contract last trading at a $7.29/cwt. discount to last week’s cash. Fund trading is having a serious impact on cattle values with a snowball effect remaining strong at the time of this November 8 analysis.


On the other side of the coin, packer margins are thin, or even negative, on a cash basis —a stark contrast to their position during this period in any recent year. Carcass cutout values have started November in a bit of a defensive pattern with an equal share of lower and higher pricing days to start the month. Fundamentals seem fairly strong considering the reduced head counts for cattle harvested, as compared to a year ago at this time.

Middle Meats and Supply Driving Fourth Quarter Spreads

At the retail level, November brings a brief shift in focus, away from beef to turkey and ham, for Thanksgiving meals. Current wholesale prices for each of these protein items are trading at steep discounts compared to the prior two years. Turkeys are the classic “loss leader” item in grocery stores during November as retailers practically give them away to lure a volume of shoppers to spend on the high-margin center of the store goods.

Beef is in the opposing position as the premier protein in the meat case, currently garnering seasonal, record-high cutout values with last week’s comprehensive price at $299.84/cwt. High prices tend to be the cure for high prices but beef demand is historically strong.

Some end meats, such as the inside round, showed declines last week but context reveals a sharp increase preceding this in mid-October. The CAB inside round price last week was record-high and 26% higher than a year ago. An adjustment lower is reasonable considering these factors. Fifty percent lean trim for grinds are, however, $0.10/lb. or 13% cheaper than a year ago as that item seeks winter low price points. This is a noted detriment to total cutout values for steers and heifers.

Middle meats tend to pull 4th quarter cutout values higher and latest trends prove this is currently the case. Ribs and tenderloins are the most popular middle meats for the season and both have posted stronger price trends over the past two weeks. CAB ribeyes at $13.50/lb., wholesale, are 8.5% higher than at the start of September. Choice ribeyes are now priced just shy of early September values but we know a volume of buying is done at that time for deep-chill programs to be brought out as fresh holiday offerings.

CAB Ribeye prices 2023

Availability of CAB tenderloins looks to be short since wholesale prices have inflated $3/lb. in four weeks to a recent $18.25/lb. Total supplies of Choice and higher ribs and tenderloins are an issue presently since weekly fed cattle slaughter is much lower than a year ago as packers cut production hours. The recent downturn in total Choice grading percentage has lower 1/3 Choice carcass counts under pressure, further fueling the Choice/Select spread.

CAB Tenderloin prices 2023

Ths has driven the Choice/Select cutout spread to $31.69/cwt. in this Tuesday’s daily report. Last week’s CAB/Choice cutout spread was a bit narrower than the prior week’s at $18.24/cwt. but may have widened in the four days yet to be reported.

Combined Choice and Prime quality grades and CAB carcass acceptance percentages tend to bottom in October/November. This, along with holiday middle meat demand, makes this period an ideal time to market marbling-rich, heavily Angus-influenced cattle on a grid. Using today’s price, CAB carcasses calculate to a $14.50/cwt. premium to cattle feeders on some grids. That’s $130.50 per head premium to the cash market and a $9.20/cwt. premium on a live basis.

 

The post Middle Meats and Supply Driving Fourth Quarter Spreads appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/middle-meats-and-supply-driving-fourth-quarter-spreads/feed/ 0
Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics https://cabcattle.com/drought-impact-and-cattle-industry-dynamics/ https://cabcattle.com/drought-impact-and-cattle-industry-dynamics/#respond Wed, 08 Nov 2023 17:14:54 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=66012 As drought conditions persist across much of cattle country, farmers and ranchers are at a pivotal juncture in the cattle industry’s landscape. What impact does this prolonged dry spell have on the nation’s herd numbers? When will heifer retention begin? How will industry dynamics influence the spring bull sale season?

The post Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

pond low from drought

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

CattleFax CEO, Randy Blach, shares insight on the beef industry’s current state amid the challenges posed by drought.

by Courtney Weekley, Communications Specialist 

November 2, 2023

As drought conditions persist across much of cattle country, farmers and ranchers are at a pivotal juncture in the cattle industry’s landscape. What impact does this prolonged dry spell have on the nation’s herd numbers? When will heifer retention begin? How will industry dynamics influence the spring bull sale season?

Heavy on the minds of those in the cattle business, there is no crystal ball. But there are historical patterns and data to help make decisions today.

Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, gave a comprehensive update of the ongoing drought’s impact during the 2023 Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Randy Blach at Annual Conference

Drought Influences on Herd Numbers

Cow-calf producers particularly affected by the ongoing drought encompass states like Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.

“We have seen a change in the weather pattern moving from a La Niña weather pattern to an El Niño,” Blach says. “But our central southern plains region is still struggling with some terribly dry areas, particularly from Kansas, south.”

While there is some herd rebuilding in the central and northern plains, 2023 is still anticipated to be a year marked by herd liquidation. Blach says he expects a surge in heifer retention over the next 12 to 24 months, supporting a strong demand for high-quality bulls in the forthcoming spring bull sale season.

Cow-Calf Segment’s Focus on Quality and Profitability

For the commercial cow-calf segment, quality remains paramount, despite the high value of feeder cattle. Recent years have witnessed elevated input costs, including hay and grain, driving up production expenses.

According to Blach, due to the drought, most cow-calf producers are forced to only operate at a 60 to 75% stocking rate. However, with the recent decrease in hay and grain prices, it is likely to lower the cost of gain.

“When we look at the grid premiums on what producers are getting paid for, we are going to have the biggest grid premiums in the history of our industry this year,” Blach says.

As reported in March 2022, premiums paid by packers to producers for brand-qualifying cattle totaled $182 million annually, or $3.5 million per week. This significant increase in grid premiums further emphasizes the outlook for producers in the beef industry, as they are set to receive record-high payments for their cattle.

Increased pressure in the industry looks to establish a more sustainable and profitable environment for cow-calf producers, who have endured several years of limited profitability. Their economic viability is pivotal to ensuring a stable supply chain for the entire cattle industry.

Blach emphasizes the importance of quality genetics.

“The market is going to sort out the best genetics from the ones that are not quite there yet,” he says. “So, I think producers need to understand that the market has become very focused on finding the genetics that will help individual commercial producers hit that final target levels for grid premiums.”

 

Randy Blach Annual Conference

Beef Demand and Retail Prices

As the industry navigates these intricate dynamics, there’s another critical component that comes into focus— the redefined landscape of beef demand and its intertwined relationship with retail prices.

“Beef demand remains strong,” he affirms, adding, “And the market wants high quality beef.”

We have seen a slight erosion in sales at high-end white tablecloth restaurants, while casual dining and bar-restaurant businesses continue to show strength in sales. This indicates that there is likely some trade-down taking place as consumer budgets are pinched. 

At the retail level, there has been an advertising slow-down in beef features or weekly specials offered to consumers. This is largely attributed to retailers’ narrower profit margins resulting from the surge in fed cattle and wholesale market prices.

“As retail margins have been squeezed, it’s being reflected in less ad feature activity,” Blach says. “We see the beef industry has lost 3% of the total ad space year-to-date, 1% compared to the five-year average.”

Remarkable Progress

From past to present, Blach acknowledges the remarkable success of CAB in the past two decades.

“When you go back over time in the ‘80s and ’90s, it was a flip of the coin for consumers buying a steak on whether it was going to be a good eating experience or a poor one,” he says. “We’re currently not in that same business with quality grade having improved from about 50% Choice and Prime to 83% Choice and Prime, largely due to leadership from CAB and others in industry focusing on quality.”

Today, a substantial portion of beef produced falls into the Choice and Prime categories, yielding significant grid premiums for producers.

“CAB is a high-quality, tremendous eating experience that people are willing to pay for,” Blach says. 

As farmers and ranchers look to a herd rebuild, the importance of genetic decisions and cattle production remain ever-important for driving retail beef demand.

You may also like

$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

Certified Angus Beef is offering $100,000 in scholarships for agricultural college students through the 2024 Colvin Scholarship Fund. Aspiring students passionate about agriculture and innovation, who live in the U.S. or Canada, are encouraged to apply before the April 30 deadline. With the Colvin Scholarship Fund honoring Louis M. “Mick” Colvin’s legacy, Certified Angus Beef continues its commitment to cultivating future leaders in the beef industry.

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Raised with Respect™ was developed as part of a strategic cattle care partnership between Sysco and CAB. The collaboration focuses on supporting farmers and ranchers, equipping them with continuing education to stay current on best management practices and helping to increase consumer confidence in beef production.

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

As drought conditions persist across much of cattle country, farmers and ranchers are at a pivotal juncture in the cattle industry’s landscape. What impact does this prolonged dry spell have on the nation’s herd numbers? When will heifer retention begin? How will industry dynamics influence the spring bull sale season?

The post Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/drought-impact-and-cattle-industry-dynamics/feed/ 0
CAB Brand Sales Third Best in 45-Year History https://cabcattle.com/cab-brand-sales-third-best-in-45-year-history/ https://cabcattle.com/cab-brand-sales-third-best-in-45-year-history/#respond Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:25:02 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=65981 In this CAB Insider,shifting market dynamics have already marked trend changes in the 2023 cattle and beef markets. These shifts are most succinctly summarized through two factors, fewer cattle and higher prices, that will further entrench themselves in near term trends.

The post CAB Brand Sales Third Best in 45-Year History appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

feedyard cattle

MARKET UPDATE

Last week, fed cattle slaughter saw a  bit of recovery with a 638,000 head weekly total. Singling out the fed cattle slaughter shows Friday’s total was reduced just 8,000 head compared to the average daily total in the four prior business days that averaged 98,750 head each.

In the previous week, negotiated fed cattle traded in a range between $185-$186/cwt. last week in a market that denoted a much firmer tone than it had for many weeks. This price level was the highest since early August in a market that has been tightly rangebound for multiple weeks.

Urner Barry October 25, 2023

The October 1 Cattle on Feed report, published last Friday, is the most impactful short-term market factor at this time. Feedlot placements for September were unexpectedly 106% of placements a year ago, contrasted against varied analyst pre-report estimates for placements just over 100%. December Live Cattle futures, which closed Friday at $184.60/cwt., ended Monday’s session at $178.35/cwt., a $6.25/cwt. decrease). In a volatile, short-term scenario, Live Cattle contracts began to recover some of the lost ground by Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, current cattle and beef market fundamentals are positive. Packer demand for cattle was sharp last week with the $2/cwt. price increase on a significant volume of negotiated cattle. Total USDA Choice carcass production is 8% lower than a year ago in the latest weekly report, driven lower on a one percentage point decline in the Choice grade.   

As well, cutout values have turned the corner with higher weekly average values across the board last week with CAB up $3.97/cwt., Choice up $4.15/cwt. and Select $1.32/cwt. higher. As we had mentioned two months ago, the dip in total USDA Choice boxed beef tonnage was destined to hit the fourth quarter market with widening Choice-Select price spreads. That is evident in our latest data with the Choice cutout $25.79/cwt. premium to Select. The CAB/Choice price spread is more stable at $20.44/cwt., which is historically wide but perfectly aligned with October price spread values since 2020.

CAB Brand Sales Third Best in 45-Year History

Shifting market dynamics have already marked trend changes in the 2023 cattle and beef markets. These shifts are most succinctly summarized through two factors, fewer cattle and higher prices, that will further entrench themselves in near term trends.

As Certified Angus Beef celebrated the close of its 45th year this September, several highlights emboldened brand stakeholders and producers. The single largest factor in the brand’s supply, fed cattle slaughter volume, provided a formidable obstacle as the nation’s drought-reduced cow herd pulled fed cattle supplies 3.3% lower for the past 12 months. However, with other positive trends, CAB acceptance increased 0.5% for the fiscal year with 5.82 million head earning the CAB brand.

Marbling trends have been on a lower pattern in the past year with USDA Choice slightly lower for the period. However, the Premium Choice carcass share has been surprisingly strong. This, coupled with the Prime grade working both above and below the 2022 pattern, allowed the CAB carcass acceptance rate to improve half of a percentage point to 36% in fiscal 2023.

2023 fiscal year CAB sales

Cattlemen continue to include Angus genetics in their breeding programs to a greater degree, boosting brand-eligible cattle to more than 72% of total fed cattle supplies. This includes enrichment from the heavily Angus-influenced beef x dairy population. There were 16 million Angus-type carcasses processed at licensed packers in the fiscal year, roughly 72% of the fed steer and heifer supply.

CAB brand sales battled the headwind of smaller steer and heifer slaughter to end the year just 0.5% lower than in the 2022 fiscal year. This culminated in the third-largest sales volume year and the eighth year of brand sales surpassing one billion pounds.

While retail grocery store sales were understandably 4.9% lower on the year there were several notable highlights on the positive side of the ledger. International brand sales were up 6% with largest gains in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Mexico even though total U.S. beef exports charted a negative trend. Record-large CAB Prime sales featured a 17.7% increase while value-added products were up 9.8%. Both categories surpassed 40 million pounds of CAB sales volume.

Fourth quarter trends are currently widening quality carcass price spreads with the Choice/Select spread at $25.79/cwt. and the CAB/Choice spread at $20.44/cwt. Short-term packer demand for quality cattle to fulfill demand for traditional CAB and CAB Prime carcasses should result in continued expanded grid premiums through early December. Although surprisingly larger feedlot placement head counts were reported for September, continued high-quality carcass supply challenges will remain a theme in the brand’s 46th year, already underway. This recommends cattlemen in each sector maintain focus on carcass demand factors and the margin opportunity that exists for cattle to meet modern consumer expectations.

The post CAB Brand Sales Third Best in 45-Year History appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/cab-brand-sales-third-best-in-45-year-history/feed/ 0
Certified Angus Beef Celebrates 45th Year with Strong Sales https://cabcattle.com/certified-angus-beef-celebrates-45th-year-with-strong-sales/ https://cabcattle.com/certified-angus-beef-celebrates-45th-year-with-strong-sales/#respond Wed, 18 Oct 2023 21:13:25 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=65947 It has been 45 years since Certified Angus Beef’s first customer purchased a strip steak at Renzetti’s IGA grocery store. Since then, consumer demand for high-quality beef has grown, ultimately driving demand for premium Angus genetics.

The post Certified Angus Beef Celebrates 45th Year with Strong Sales appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

raw beef stylized

Certified Angus Beef Celebrates 45th Year with Strong Sales

More than 1.2 billion pounds sold, the third highest sales year for the brand.

by Lindsay Graber Runft and Jessica Travis

October 18, 2023

It has been 45 years since Certified Angus Beef’s (CAB) first customer purchased a strip steak at Renzetti’s IGA grocery store. Since then, consumer demand for high-quality beef has grown, ultimately driving demand for premium Angus genetics.

“The Certified Angus Beef brand was founded on a mission to improve the consumer’s beef eating experience and drive demand for Angus cattle,” says John Stika, president of CAB.

Marking the third-highest sales year on record, the global beef brand sold 1.227 billion pounds across 52 countries during the 2023 fiscal year. While down 7 million pounds, or 0.6%, from total sales in 2022, this year marks the brand’s eighth year over a billion pounds sold. Additionally, March 2023 was the third highest sales month in the brand’s history at 112.3 million pounds.

“It’s because of the community around this brand, their daily hard work, and intentionality in leveraging the value of the Certified Angus Beef ® brand that we’re celebrating yet another year of over 1 billion pounds sold,” Stika says.

steak on the table

CAB Supply Increased Despite Lower Fed Cattle Numbers

“Angus producers deserve a tremendous amount of credit for maintaining their focus on marbling and continuing to improve the quality of their cattle,” Stika says.

While the total fed cattle supply declined by 3%, this year 5.82 million carcasses were certified for the brand, increasing CAB supply 0.5%. This resulted in a 36% acceptance rate after 16.16 million cattle were identified as eligible for the brand.

Family farmers and ranchers’ commitment to supplying high-quality cattle continues to be rewarded through grid premiums. As reported in March 2022, premiums paid by packers to producers for brand-qualifying cattle totaled $182 million annually or $3.5 million per week.

Angus herd on grass

Meeting Consumer Demand

Consumers continue to demand high-quality beef offerings at the meat case and while dining out, both domestically and internationally.

With 414.8 million pounds sold, foodservice sales are up 2.4% from 2022 and reached their second-best year to date.

While diners enjoyed Certified Angus Beef ® at their favorite dining establishments, from Michelin star restaurants to acclaimed barbecue joints and beyond, they also purchased the trusted beef brand in the meat case. Retail stores recorded 521 million pounds sold in 2023, marking the fifth year of over 500 million pounds sold across retailers, though down 4.9% in total sales from last year.

U.S. sales dipped slightly from last year, but international sales soared to 188 million pounds, an increase of 5.5%. The highest growth was recorded in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Mexico.

Looking across the marketplace, the steady increase in demand for labor and time-saving solutions led value-added products—items such as fully-cooked briskets, hamburger patties, marinated roasts, franks, flavored meatballs, etc.—to a new annual record. Up 9.8% from 2022, 44.7 million pounds were sold across retail and foodservice, both in U.S. and international markets.

Certified Angus Beef ® Prime sales marked a new milestone with 41 million pounds sold, up 17.7% from last year. Given the current marketing conditions, these record sales are further indication that consumers are not backing down from quality.

As Certified Angus Beef further embraced consumer choice, Certified Angus Beef ® Natural saw 4.4 million pounds sold, down 6.4% from 2022.

“We are all connected through our shared commitment to quality, and to fulfill the growing demand that’s out there for the brand,” Stika says. “In the process, we’ll continue to engage the entire beef community in creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for everyone involved in this brand.”

You may also like

$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

$100,000 Up for Grabs with 2024 Colvin Scholarships

Certified Angus Beef is offering $100,000 in scholarships for agricultural college students through the 2024 Colvin Scholarship Fund. Aspiring students passionate about agriculture and innovation, who live in the U.S. or Canada, are encouraged to apply before the April 30 deadline. With the Colvin Scholarship Fund honoring Louis M. “Mick” Colvin’s legacy, Certified Angus Beef continues its commitment to cultivating future leaders in the beef industry.

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Raised with Respect™ Cattle Care Campaign Launched This Fall

Raised with Respect™ was developed as part of a strategic cattle care partnership between Sysco and CAB. The collaboration focuses on supporting farmers and ranchers, equipping them with continuing education to stay current on best management practices and helping to increase consumer confidence in beef production.

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

Drought Impact and Cattle Industry Dynamics

As drought conditions persist across much of cattle country, farmers and ranchers are at a pivotal juncture in the cattle industry’s landscape. What impact does this prolonged dry spell have on the nation’s herd numbers? When will heifer retention begin? How will industry dynamics influence the spring bull sale season?

The post Certified Angus Beef Celebrates 45th Year with Strong Sales appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/certified-angus-beef-celebrates-45th-year-with-strong-sales/feed/ 0
Feedyard Insights Bring Focus to Profitability https://cabcattle.com/feedyard-insights-bring-focus-to-profitability/ https://cabcattle.com/feedyard-insights-bring-focus-to-profitability/#respond Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:44:20 +0000 https://cabcattle.com/?p=66022 The recently published "Industry Insights" report conducted by CattleFax analysts in partnership with Angus Media revealed several interesting trends and attitudes from the feedyard and cow-calf sectors. Focusing on feedyard factors most relevant to the CAB brand and end-product merit shows attitudes and behavior aligned with the market’s pull-through demand signals

The post Feedyard Insights Bring Focus to Profitability appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>

feedyard cattle

MARKET UPDATE

Last week’s 628,000 head total inspected slaughter featured a bit of recovery from the prior week’s exceptionally small 612,000 head. Packers remain disciplined with production as fed cattle prices remain in a low to mid-$180’s trading range and boxed beef values continue to seek their fall price bottom.

Urner Barry Oct 11, 2023

Focusing on fed cattle slaughter, the past four Saturdays have averaged just 7,500 head, in keeping with the latest pattern. In the past four Fridays, harvested head counts ranged from 71% to 95% of the weekly Monday through Thursday daily averages.

CME Live Cattle contract price volatility has been the overriding factor tempering spot cash cattle values most recently. The threat and subsequently averted government shutdown jostled equity markets and this volatility spilled over into commodity markets. The October LC contract has traded in a wide range from $186/cwt. to as low as sub-$182/cwt. in the past eight trading days. Futures are leading the market during this period but the spot market stands to move to the front as the fourth quarter continues.

The total beef market complex awaits a turning of the tide as anticipated fourth-quarter demand has historically turned boxed beef values upward in the second half of October. The waiting will commence this week as Urner Barry’s carcass cutout values this Monday showed a $3.02/cwt. decline in the Choice cutout price to mark $288.75/cwt.

Reviewing carcass cutout prices shows many cuts are priced according to the seasonal playbook. Chuck and round items are priced steady to slightly higher as consumers look for lower-cost cuts. As well, cooler weather in many regions signals increases in roasting items.

Strip loins and shortloins are capturing attention as buyers see value in these items that have adjusted to much lower prices. Tenderloins won’t offer such an opportunity as stout fourth quarter demand lies ahead and early demand already has CAB tenderloins priced over $15.00/lb. wholesale. Ribeyes recently priced lower for a few weeks but the small share available on the spot market should now price higher into early December.

Thin meats have come well off of their summer highs and are being picked by buyers. Similarly, CAB grinds showed weakness in last week’s pricing but remain at historic highs.

Feedyard Insights Bring Focus to Profitability

The recently published “Industry Insights” report conducted by CattleFax analysts in partnership with Angus Media revealed several interesting trends and attitudes from the feedyard and cow-calf sectors.

Focusing on feedyard factors most relevant to the CAB brand and end-product merit shows attitudes and behavior aligned with the market’s pull-through demand signals.

Factors affecting cattle purchasing decisions were, predictably, heavily weighted toward health. Vaccination status, current health condition, preconditioning and weaning status topped the list with each of these capturing 87% to 92% of feedyard managers’ highest attention. Previous purchase history followed next with 81% strongly weighting their own feeding experience with calves from a given source. The reason for the latter factor logically includes not only health but a handful of performance and carcass traits relative to profit potential.

feeder cattle procurement table

Sixty-five percent of feedyards surveyed indicated a strong preference for “all or high-percentage black-hided, CAB-candidate” cattle. Cattle with verified Angus genetics came in with 35% strongly preferring this attribute. A separate question specific to only breed type revealed that 78% of feeders were strongly attracted to known black Angus, 76% toward black hide (although not breed specific) and 54% responding strongly in favor of black baldies. When asked what role genetics play in the feedyard purchasing decisions 34.7% of respondents note some attention to breed composition and 37.3% pay attention to hide color. Interestingly, 10.7% indicated strong attention to sires of feeder cattle and 9.3% highly regard profit potential as denoted by genetic merit predictors. These numbers suggest there is great potential for advancement regarding use and availability of genetic information in feeder cattle transactions.

Sixty-eight percent of feeders indicated that they pay a premium for cattle with the potential to quality for the CAB brand. Of those who paid a premium, 42% expect the premium to increase in the future, 42% expect the premium to stay the same and 10% expect it to decrease.

One of the most concise questions asked feeders to score several cattle traits posing the most challenge to feedyard profitability. Health and feed conversion were the overwhelming top two, followed by dressing percentage, quality grade and carcass weight.

Possibly some of the most valuable insights useful to cow/calf producers and feeder cattle marketers are the elements feedyard managers noted they would like to change in the future for feeder cattle procurement. Improved vaccination easily stood at the top with 83.7% of feedyards scoring this as most important. More description of genetic potential for carcass merit followed in second with 47.2% ranking this highly. Rounding out the top five most preferred areas of change in the future are increased uniformity, more description of genetic potential for performance and more documented breed description.

Many more pertinent details can be easily reviewed in the Industry Insights publication here.

The post Feedyard Insights Bring Focus to Profitability appeared first on CAB Cattle.

]]>
https://cabcattle.com/feedyard-insights-bring-focus-to-profitability/feed/ 0