WLI

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Elsewhere, it was slow on light demand.

Live sales in the Texas Panhandle were $1-$2 higher at $123/cwt. Although too few to trend, early live sales were $1-$3 higher in Nebraska at $128 and $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at $127. Early dressed sales were $1-$2 higher at $202 in Nebraska and $202.00-$206.50 in the western Corn Belt.

Weaker outside markets and the lack of follow-through support pressured Cattle futures Thursday.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 95¢ lower, except for 15¢ higher spot Aug.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 55¢ lower, except for 15¢ higher in the back contract.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 38¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $347.27/cwt. Select was $3.90 higher at $319.59.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 6¢ lower, except for 1¢ higher in spot Sept.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 10¢ lower, except for 21¢ higher in spot Sept.

******************************

Major U.S. financial indices closed lower on Thursday after explosions in Kabul, outside an airport gate, killed both U.S. service members and civilians. Investors are also uncertain whether the Federal Reserve will give a clear signal this week for timing on tapering emergency support.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 192 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 26 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 96 points.

*****************************

USDA increased expectations for U.S. beef exports during the current fiscal year, in the latest Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade. Compared to the last quarterly report, projected U.S. beef export value increased $800 million to $8.4 billion on higher unit values and volumes to China, Mexico, and South Korea.

Projected export value for U.S. livestock, dairy and poultry exports increased $2.2 billion to $36.4 billion due to increases in all product groups except pork.

Next year, USDA expects beef exports to be $100 million less than this year due to lower exportable supplies. Fiscal year 2022 livestock, poultry, and dairy exports were forecast $400 million higher than this year at $36.8 billion primarily due to growth in dairy and poultry products.

Forecast total U.S. agricultural export value this year increased $9.5 billion from the previous estimate to $173.5 billion, mainly due to higher livestock, poultry, and dairy exports, as well as the adoption of a new definition of agricultural products.

“Beginning with this publication, the report is adopting the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) definition of ‘Agricultural Products,’ which adds ethanol, distilled spirits, and manufactured tobacco products, among others, while removing rubber and allied products from the previous USDA definition,” according to analysts with USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS).

U.S. agricultural exports next year were projected $4.0 billion higher than this year at $177.5 billion.

“The global COVID-19 pandemic remains the primary factor affecting economic activity across the globe. The prevalence of the Delta variant has renewed concerns over pandemic-induced pressure on public health infrastructures, softening consumer spending and global supply chain recovery,” say ERS analysts. “Microchip manufacturing and the shipping of physical goods are two aspects of the global economy that continue to observe elevated prices from supply chain disruptions. Despite these economic challenges, employment statistics and consumer confidence have remained strong, pointing to a continued economic recovery through the end of 2021. World real gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to increase by 5.7% in the remainder of 2021, and subsequently increase by 4.6% in 2022.”

Growth projections for real U.S. GDP this year were raised to 6.2% from previous estimate of 5.8%.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive to limited through Wednesday afternoon with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, live sales were at $121-$122/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $122 in Kansas, $125-$127 in Nebraska and $127 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed sales were at $200 in Nebraska and at $200-$205 in the western Corn Belt.

There was just a light run for Wednesday’s fat cattle auction in Tama, IA (313 head), but Choice steers and heifers traded $1.50 to $1.75/cwt. higher. There were 127 Choice 2-4 steers weighing an average of 1,377 lbs., bringing an average of $131.43.

Slaughter steers sold $2-$4 lower at Sioux Falls Regional in South Dakota. Fat heifers traded steady to $1 lower. There were 313 Choice 3-4 steers weighing an average of 1,532 lbs., bringing an average of $126.52/cwt.

Lack of cash direction, positioning from strong gains to start the week and softer wholesale beef values weighed on Live Cattle futures Wednesday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 76¢ lower (5¢ to $1.40 lower), except for unchanged to an average of 7¢ higher in three contracts toward the middle of the board.

Higher Corn futures added pressure to Feeder Cattle.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 58¢ lower, except for 72¢ higher in almost spent Aug and 17¢ higher in the back contract.

Wholesale beef prices trended lower for the second consecutive day.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 69¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $346.89/cwt. Select was $1.21 lower at 315.69.

Total federally inspected cattle slaughter in July of 2.8 million head was 65,800 fewer (-2.3%) than the previous year. Total cattle slaughter for January through July of 19.25 million head was 880,700 more (+4.8%) year over year.

Commercial beef production in July of 2.3 billion lbs. was 104 million lbs. less (-4.3%) year over year. For January through July, beef production of 16.2 billion lbs. was 758.1 million lbs. more (+4.9%) than the same time last year. The average live weight was down 14 lbs. from the previous year, at 1,349 lbs.

Total commercial red meat production in July of 4.4 billion lbs. was 429.5 million lbs. less (-8.9%) than the previous year. Total commercial red meat production for January through July was 32.3 billion lbs., which was 645.6 million lbs. more (+2.0%).

Corn futures closed mostly 6¢ to 12¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 8¢ to 12¢ higher, except for mainly 1¢ higher in new-crop contracts.

*****************************

Major U.S. financial indices edged higher Wednesday amid optimism variant Covid infections could be peaking in the U.S.

The Dow Jones Industrial average closed 39 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 9 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 22 points.

*****************************

“Solid grain prices, the Federal Reserve’s record-low interest rates, and growing exports have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy,” according to Ernie Goss, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business. “USDA data show that 2021 year-to-date agriculture exports are more than 25% above that for the same period in 2020. This has been a prime factor supporting the Rural Mainstreet economy.”

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) was 65.3 in August, the ninth consecutive month above the growth-neutral level of 50.0. The index is based on surveys of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

Approximately, 34.4% of bank CEOs reported that their local economy expanded between July and August.

The farmland price index advanced 5.6 points from July to 76.6 in August. That was the 11th consecutive month of levels above growth-neutral. The last time such a stretch occurred was in 2012-13.

The August farm equipment-sales index declined to 64.7 from 67.2 in July. Readings over the last several months represent the strongest consistent growth since 2012.

Approximately 15.6% of bankers reported that continuing drought conditions were the greatest threat to their banking operations over the next 12 months.

“Rising COVID-19 infections, the turmoil in Afghanistan, and negative views of current infrastructure bills before Congress damaged the economic outlook of bank CEOs. Only 9.4% of bankers support passage of the $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill currently winding through Congress,” says Goss.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill to mostly inactive on light demand through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week’s five-area direct average steer price was $2.19 higher on a live basis at $125.47/cwt. The average steer price in the beef was 5¢ higher at $200.68.

Cattle futures closed mixed Tuesday. Follow-through support prevailed through most of the session.

Live Cattle closed mainly higher, boosted by the cash outlook and the 13,688-contract increase in open interest the previous day.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 47¢ higher, except for an average of 45¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 45¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $347.58/cwt. Select was $2.50 lower at $316.90.

Rising Corn futures prices, as well as  likely position squaring and profit taking pressured Feeder Cattle.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 81¢ lower, except for 37¢ higher in spot Aug.

Corn and Soybean futures closed higher Tuesday, supported by crop conditions in the weekly Crop Progress report (see below).

Corn futures closed mostly 6¢ to 9¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 30¢ to 43¢ higher through Aug ’22 and then mostly 23¢ to 28¢ higher.

******************************

Major U.S. financial indices closed higher Tuesday, buoyed by follow-through support from FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 30 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 6 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 77 points.

Crude Oil futures (WTI-CME) continued to climb, up $1.83 to $1.91 through the front six contracts.

******************************

Total pounds of beef in freezers July 31 were down slightly from the previous month and down 9% from last year, according to USDA’s monthly Cold Storage report.

Frozen pork supplies were up slightly from the previous month but down 4% from last year.

Total red meat supplies in freezers were up slightly from the previous month but down 8% from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies were 2% more than last month but 17% less year over year.

******************************

Nationally, pasture and range conditions continue to erode slightly for the week ending Aug. 22, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report.

29% of pasture and range was rated as Good (23%) or Excellent (6%), which was the same as the previous week and 5% more than a year earlier. Conversely, 43% was rated as Poor (21%) or Very Poor (22%), which was 1% less than a week earlier and 1% more than a year earlier.

85% of corn was in the dough stage, which was 1% less than last year, but 4% more than the average. 41% was dented, the same as last year and 3% more than the average. 4% was mature, which was 1% less than last year but on par with average. 60% was in Good (46%) or Excellent (14%) condition, which was 2% less than the previous week and 4% less than a year earlier.

97% of soybeans were blooming, which 2% less than last year but the same as the five-year average. 88% were setting pods, which was 3% less than last year but 1% more than average. 3% were dropping leaves, compared to 4% last year and 3% for average. 56% were in Good (45%) or Excellent (11%) condition, which was 1% less than a week earlier and 13% less than the same week last year.

77% of spring wheat was harvested, which was 31% more than the previous year and 22% more than the five-year average.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill to mostly inactive on very light demand through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Cash fed cattle prices last week were $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $122/cwt., $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $125-$127 and $1-$2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $127. Dressed trade was mostly $2 higher in Nebraska at $200; from $1 to $2 higher to $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $200.

Last week’s five-area direct average steer price was $2.19 higher on a live basis at $125.47/cwt. The average steer price in the beef was 5¢ higher at $200.68.

Lower year-over-year July feedlot placements and fewer cattle on feed year over year — based on the latest Cattle on Feed report — helped boost Cattle futures Monday, amid heavy and active trade.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.97 higher Monday afternoon at $348.03/cwt. Select was 87¢ higher at $319.40.

Corn futures closed mainly narrowly mixed from 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 2¢ to 9¢ higher through Sep ’22 and then mostly 11¢ to 14¢ higher.

******************************

Major U.S. financial indices climbed Monday, due in part to FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 215 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 37 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 227 points.

Crude Oil futures (CME-WTI) roared back Monday, up an average of $3.42 through the front six contracts.

*****************************

“August is a tough time for fed cattle markets to move higher, but the market seems poised to break out from the constraints of the first half of the year as we move into the last part of the third quarter,” says Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, in his weekly market comments. “Meanwhile, auction calf and stocker prices have moved counter-seasonally higher in July-August, while feeder cattle markets, which typically increase through the summer, have shown a strong seasonal price increase.” He adds cull cow prices remain above year-ago levels, although they’re less than summer peak prices.

Reflecting on the monthly Cattle on Feed report that came out Friday, Peel notes feedlot inventories continue to fall, partly seasonally, but also reflecting the cleanup of the backlog of feedlot cattle from earlier in the year. 

“August represents the sixth consecutive monthly decline in feedlot inventories from the February peak, a decrease of 1.032 million head or 8.5% over the six months. In the previous five years, the average feedlot inventory decline from the spring high to summer low has been 6.2%.” 

Moreover, lighter year-over-year carcass weights also provide more indication that feedlots are getting more current. 

“Steer and heifer carcass weights dropped below year-ago levels in May and continue below year-earlier levels,” Peel says. “Carcass weights reached a seasonal low in June, a tad later than the normal May low and are rising seasonally into the last part of the year. Most recently, weekly steer carcass weights were 896 lbs., down 10 lbs. year over year but still 18 lbs. heavier than 2019 levels. Heifer carcass weights are currently 817 lbs., down 15 lbs. from last year but 11 lbs. above 2019.”

Peel adds that lower carcass weights also reflect the impact and incentives stemming from sharply higher feedlot cost of gain, which should help hold carcass weights in check.

“Cash feeder cattle markets continue to adjust to higher feed costs, partly in terms of general price levels but particularly in the relative prices of lightweight and heavy feeder cattle,” Peel says. “The flattening of the price line across weights translates into higher value of gain potential for added feeder cattle weight gain.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive with light demand in all feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Live prices last week were $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $122/cwt., $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $125-$127 and $1-$2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $127. Dressed trade was mostly $2 higher in Nebraska at $200; $2 higher to $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $200.

The down day in grain futures Friday sparked Feeder Cattle futures, as did likely positioning ahead of what turned out to be a positive Cattle on Feed report (see below).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.47 higher (75¢ to $2.60 higher). Week to week on Friday, they were an average of $1.17 higher.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 53¢ higher, except for unchanged and 5¢ lower toward the back. Strength in wholesale beef values and slightly higher cash fed cattle prices provided support.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.43 higher Friday afternoon at $345.06/cwt. Select was $2.12 higher at $318.53.

Corn futures closed down an average of 13¢ lower through the front six contracts, then mostly 5¢ to 9¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed an average of 27¢ lower through the front six contracts, then mostly 9¢ to 18¢ lower.

******************************

Major U.S. financial indices closed higher Friday after a week of volatility. Investors have seemed concerned the Federal Reserve will initiate tapering plans just as the rapid spread of the delta variant may slow the economy. This week’s Jackson Hole symposium – now virtual – may offer more clues to what the Fed’s plans are for tapering.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 226 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 36 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 173 points.

*****************************

Heading into Monday, it seemed likely traders would view Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report (feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity) as neutral to somewhat friendly.

Placements in July of 1.74 million head were 154,000 head fewer (-8.1%) than the previous year. The average of analyst expectations ahead of the report projected a 7.0% decline.

As for placement weights, 36.2% went on feed weighing 600 lbs. or less, 48.0% weighing 700-899 lbs. and 15.8% weighing 900 lbs. or more.

Marketings in July of 1.9 million head were 90,000 fewer (-4.5%) year over year, compared to analysts expecting a decline, on average, of 3.6%.

Cattle on feed Aug. 1 of 11.07 million head were 210,000 head fewer (-1.9%) than the same time last year. That was about even with pre-report expectations.

Through midday Monday, Feeder Cattle and Live Cattle futures are strongly higher. Live Cattle were more than $2 higher in the front months, while Feeder Cattle were an average of $2.15 higher, except for spot Aug.