Chicago | Reuters — U.S. hog futures rose to their highest in more than a year on Thursday, as consumer demand for pork remained robust even as the weather turned cooler. The front-month hog contract has risen for seven days in a row. “The domestic demand is just on fire,” said Don Roose, analyst with […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Hog futures hit highest since August 2019
U.S. beef export sales down on week
U.S. livestock: Hog futures up on pork demand, cash prices
November feeder cattle touch lowest level since July 2
Chicago | Reuters –– U.S. hog futures extended gains on Wednesday and the front-month contract reached its highest price in about a year due to strength in the cash market, traders said. Solid pork demand has underpinned cash prices in the face of large hog supplies. The U.S. pork cutout, an indication of wholesale pork […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cash market strength boosts hog futures
Cash cattle values also boost live cattle
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. hog futures rose to their highest in more than a year on Tuesday, rallying to keep pace with recent gains in the cash market. The cash market strength stemmed from continued good demand even as the traditional U.S. grilling season draws to a close with the weather turning cooler. “There’s […] Read more
Klassen: Rising feed grains pressure feeder market
Compared to last week, western Canadian yearling markets traded $3-$6 lower with some reports showing prices as much as $10 lower. Calves traded $2-$4 below week-ago levels; however, the market will be more defined next week, with many auction barns scheduling feature calf sales in the major feeding areas of Alberta. Feeding margins in the […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cattle, hog futures rise on strong cash markets
U.S. packers seen dialing up slaughter pace
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle and lean hog futures advanced on Monday on expectations that cash prices will remain firm, analysts said. Cash cattle prices are expected to rise $1-$2/cwt this week as packers ramp up slaughtering, said Brian Hoops, president of broker Midwest Market Solutions (all figures US$). Fat cattle last week […] Read more
La Nina to bring colder, drier winter
MarketsFarm — There’s a La Nina poised to exert influence on the coming North American winter, according to Drew Lerner, senior agricultural meteorologist for World Weather Inc. in Kansas. A La Nina generates colder-than-normal temperatures, as opposed to the warm temperatures garnered from an El Nino. Both weather phenomenon can be found over the Pacific […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Cattle futures sag on fears for economy, beef demand
Firm cash hog values support hog futures
Chicago | Reuters — Live cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange eased on Friday, following as global financial markets fell after U.S. President Donald Trump tested positive for the coronavirus, adding to investor uncertainty. Disappointing U.S. job growth numbers heightened worries about consumer demand for beef, at a time when retailers are starting to […] Read more
Keep it relaxed — practise low-stress cattle handling to stay safe
You might think you know the risks, but complacency is your enemy during this busy season
Reading Time: 2 minutes As we head into another busy time of year for cattle producers and handlers, it’s good to stop and think about all the increased risks we face over the next couple of months. Fall is a dangerous time because there is a lot more movement, as ranchers are bringing in cows and calves that haven’t […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Nearby cattle futures lower on profit-taking
Chicago lean hogs end mixed
Chicago | Reuters — U.S. live cattle futures closed mixed on Thursday with nearby contracts drifting lower on profit-taking a day after the benchmark December contract touched a six-week high, analysts said. Commodity funds hold a net long position in Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle futures, leaving the market vulnerable to bouts of long […] Read more
New slaughter regulations are a step forward
Beef 911: Changes to allow video ante-mortem inspection and on-farm slaughter make good sense
Reading Time: 3 minutes All through the year accidents can happen and the need for emergency slaughter can arise. Broken legs during breeding season, fighting, very rarely during transport or downer cattle make access to emergency slaughter imperative. Recently announced changes will allow a mobile butcher to video the animal and that can be used by an inspector for […] Read more