WLI

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade and demand were moderate in the Southern Plains through Wednesday afternoon. Live prices were steady with last week at $110/cwt., according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were also a few live trades at $110 in Nebraska and a few at $106 in the western Corn Belt but too few to trend in either region. Last week, live prices were at $110 in Nebraska and at $108-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices were at $172.

Cattle feeders offered 930 head in the weekly Fed Cattle Exchange Auction—all from Texas. They sold 543 head for a weighted average price of $110.25 for delivery at both 1-9 days and 1-17 days. That price was steady with country trade in the region last week and so far this week.

Cattle futures closed lower Wednesday, pressured by higher grain prices and the steady rather than higher cash prices so far this week. Perhaps there was also some positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 80¢ lower, from 42¢ to $1.15 lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.60 lower, from 35¢ lower in spot Nov to $2.42 lower.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.12 higher Wednesday afternoon at $235.84/cwt. Select was 34¢ lower at $213.62.

Corn futures closed 3¢ to 5¢ higher through Sep ’21 and then mostly 1¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 5¢ to 7¢ higher through Sep ‘22 and then mostly 3¢ higher.

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U.S. financial indices closed lower Wednesday, pressured by the growing renewal of pandemic restrictions as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 344 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 41 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 97 points.

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“With the higher grain prices and forage prices, we will see persistent pressure on feeder cattle and calf prices into 2021,” says Stephen Koontz, agricultural economist at Colorado State University, in the latest issue of In the Cattle Markets. “One dollar higher corn costs translate into about $6-$7/cwt. lower feeder cattle prices. This cattle price impact is being exacerbated by dry conditions in the western U.S. and hay prices that are creeping higher. The impact on calf prices will be greater.”

Koontz points out Corn futures (2020-21 crop) are about $1 higher than in August and Soybean futures are about $2 higher, including deferred contracts. He adds that prices for both appear to be at a premium to what underlying fundamentals suggest.

“Stock-to-use ratios imply more reasonably mid-to-high-$3 corn and mid-to-high-$9 soybeans. That is unless the long-term demand picture is also changing. And there is some evidence that is the case,” Koontz says. “Corn export demand has been strong but that for soybeans is considerably more so. Consumption of corn is also picking up from ethanol production. The crop market fundamentals are looking more like they did in the years prior to the trade war. Soybean demand may pull considerable acres to that crop and buoy both soybean and corn prices.”

Along with export strength and iffy production in other parts of the world, some folks suggest speculation about a domestic drought next growing season is adding support.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was steady in the Texas Panhandle through Tuesday afternoon with live prices at $110/cwt. That was on limited trade and light demand, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Trade in other regions ranged from a standstill to mostly inactive on light demand with too few transactions to trend. Last week, live prices were at $110/cwt. in the Southern Plains and Nebraska and at $108-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices were at $172.

Cattle futures closed higher Tuesday, apparently fueled by the surge in wholesale beef values, tied in part to chatter about consumers stockpiling again, due to resurgent COVID-19 cases. The lower U.S. dollar is also offering added support to commodities.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 98¢ higher, from 37¢ to $1.55 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.36 higher, from 10¢ higher in

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.77 higher Tuesday afternoon at $233.72/cwt., the highest level since June. Select was $1.61 higher at $213.96.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 4¢ higher through Jly ’21 and then mostly fractionally mixed.

Soybean futures closed 8¢ to 16¢ higher through Sep ‘21 and then fractionally higher to 2¢ higher.

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U.S. financial indices closed lower Tuesday on likely profit taking and mixed economic news.

On one hand, U.S. retail and food services sales for October were 0.3% higher month to month, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. That’s less than the trade expected.

On the other hand, builder confidence in the market for newly-built single-family homes increased five points to 90 in November, shattering the previous all-time high of 85 recorded in October, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Builder confidence levels hit successive all-time highs over the past three months.

“Historically low mortgage rates, favorable demographics and an ongoing suburban shift for home buyer preferences have spurred demand and increased new home sales by nearly 17% in 2020 on a year-to-date basis,” says NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke, a custom home builder from Tampa, FL. “Though builders continue to sign sales contracts at a solid pace, lot and material availability is holding back some building activity. Looking ahead to next year, regulatory policy risk will be a key concern given these supply-side constraints.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 167 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 17 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 24 points.

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USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) lowered the expected fourth-quarter feeder steer price by $6 from the previous month to $137/cwt., in the latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook. That’s basis Oklahoma City for Medium #1. The lower revision is based on seasonal price weakness and cash prices in October down more than $9 year over year at $137.55. ERS reduced expected feeder steer prices for next year by $1, based on higher projected feed prices.

Specifically, ERS forecasts feeder steer prices next year at $133 in the first quarter, $136 in the second, $141 in the third; annual average price of $138.

ERS left the expected five-area direct fed steer price unchanged for the fourth quarter ($109) and for next year: $113 in the first quarter, $110 in the second quarter, $114 in the third quarter; annual average price of $114.

“Despite the rising number of cattle on feed, front-end supplies—the number of cattle on feed over 150 days—decreased for the third consecutive month as a percentage and in volume,” say ERS analysts. “This is the result of an improving pace of fed cattle slaughter, which was faster than a year ago for the last three months and above the five-year average. The quickening slaughter pace, combined with an ample supply of fed cattle at heavier weights, led to higher expected beef production in fourth-quarter 2020 relative to 2019. Nevertheless, tighter front-end supplies will likely support continued seasonal movement in fed steer prices.”

ERS increased annual forecast 2020 beef production by 90 million lbs. to 27.2 billion lbs. Forecast beef production increased slightly for 2021, as well (27.4 billion lbs.), on higher expected fed cattle marketings.

“Despite the challenges facing the industry at the beginning of the third quarter, the beef industry processed more fed cattle in third-quarter 2020 than last year. As a result, the industry appears to have worked through the backlog of cattle that resulted from the plant disruptions in the second quarter,” ERS analysts explain. “The combination of delayed cattle marketings and good feeding conditions this year raised average cattle carcass weights nearly 3% for the third quarter, also increasing third-quarter 2020 production nearly 3% year over year. As a result, beef production set a record for the quarter at 7.1 billion lbs.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill to mostly inactive on very light demand with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, live prices were at $110/cwt. in the Southern Plains and Nebraska and at $108-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices were at $172.

The five-area direct average fed steer price last week was $109.62/cwt. on a live basis, which was $3.29 more than the previous week, but $5.57 less than the previous year. The average steer price in the beef was $171.87, which was $6.52 more than the previous week, but $9.85 less than the same week last year.

Cattle futures firmed Monday, after early pressure on Feeder Cattle, closing mostly higher amid relatively light trade after the previous session’s selloff. Presumably, technical support and higher outside markets helped pave the way.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 29¢ higher, except for 20¢ lower in near Feb.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 47¢ higher, except for 20¢ lower in spot Nov and unchanged in Sep.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 97¢ higher Monday afternoon at $226.95/cwt. Select was $2.89 higher at $212.35.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 4¢ to 6¢ higher. 

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U.S. financial indices closed higher Monday, on news that another Covid vaccine candidate, this one from Moderna, proved more than 94% effective in a preliminary, late-stage trial.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 470 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 41 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 94 points.

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By most measures, domestic consumer beef demand remained resilient in the face of multifold challenges posed by the pandemic. Heading into winter, though, Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University expects challenges to increase.

“Loss of outdoor dining in cold weather will further aggravate restaurant challenges.  Food service demand is likely to be additionally affected with worsening public health challenges. Macroeconomic concerns will grow as consumers go forward with less unemployment support,” Peel explains, in his weekly market comments.  “Ample supplies of beef, pork and poultry increase market price pressure, though disruptions in supply are a threat as well.”  

By way of review, Peel points out unparalleled beef supply and demand disruptions characterized the first half of 2020. By the end of June, cattle slaughter—packing capacity—was mostly recovered.

“Beef demand, however, continues to be challenged with restricted food service.  Restaurants have recovered somewhat from the initial lockdown with more emphasis on takeout and delivery. Retail grocery demand remains robust and numerous adjustments have helped to shift some food service supply chains to support retail grocery supply chains,” Peel explains. “There are indications that retail grocery demand is being boosted again by consumers stocking up in the face of increased uncertainty. The shift from summer beef demand to winter raises additional concerns. Food service is typically more emphasized in winter months, which may be an additional challenge. The pandemic is resurging and additional restrictions on food service are a growing risk.”

Currently, domestic beef demand is difficult to assess, according to Peel. Although Choice boxed beef cutout values increased sharply the past two weeks, they remain 9.2% less than the same time last year.

“Ribeyes are a key market this time of year with strong demand for Christmas and New Year’s holiday. So far, Ribeyes are following close to a typical seasonal increase with current Ribeye prices close to year-ago levels and up over 9% the last two weeks,” Peel says. “Other food service-dependent beef products are less encouraging. Beef tenderloins are currently averaging 25.6% below year-ago levels and were down 1.5% in the last two weeks. Sirloin Top Butt is up 6.0% the last two weeks but down 18.4% year over year. Other beef products heavily dependent on food service demand include brisket, down 13.9% from one year ago and the Petite Tender, down 20.7% year over year. Strip Loin, more frequently used in retail grocery, is up 7.8% year over year.”

As well, Peel says prices for most chuck and round products are down 5% to 10% compared to last year. Exceptions include Chucks (2-piece), which are up 7.0% the past two weeks and up 13.7% year over year, which may indicate more demand for grinding for retail grocery ground beef.

“In contrast, 50% trimmings are down 55.7% and 90% trimming are down 15.8% year over year, although both are up the past two weeks. 50s and 90s are more commonly used for food service ground beef,” Peel explains.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ended the week with live prices $3 higher at $110/cwt. in Nebraska and the Southern Plains; $3-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $108-$110, according to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Dressed prices were at $172, which was $4 higher in Nebraska and $5-$8 higher in the western Corn Belt. Although prices were higher, some thought the market was poised to reap steeper gains.

Through Thursday, the five-area direct weighted negotiated fed steer price was $109.46/cwt. on a live basis, which was $3.11 more than the previous week but $5.69 less than the same week in 2019. The average steer price in the beef was $171.88, which was $6.58 more week to week but $10.07 less year over year.

Cattle futures closed sharply lower Friday, with much of the pressure seemingly tied to overbought conditions, week-end positioning and fears that escalating COVID-19 cases will take another whack at packer production.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.61 lower, from $1.10 lower toward the back to $2.57 lower toward the front.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.38 lower.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 52¢ lower Friday afternoon at $225.98/cwt. Select was $1.22 higher at $209.46.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 4¢ to 9¢ higher through Nov ‘22 and then mostly unchanged. 

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U.S. financial indices closed higher Friday, as investors seemed less worried about the surge in COVID-19 cases and more comfortable that the recently announced vaccine will enable the nation to get back to business, ultimately.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 399 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 48 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 119 points.

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“Agriculture will need to speak up with the new administration on its priorities, and we need to strengthen the bipartisan nature of American agriculture,” explained former assistant U.S. trade representative Sharon Bomer Lauritsen at last week’s virtual U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference.

“There has never been a more important time to maintain a strong and unified agriculture and agribusiness voice at the state level, and in Washington, D.C., to balance the industrial voices,” Bomer Lauritsen said. “U.S. agriculture will need to defend and advance its interests, make sure they are heard over the non-ag voices, and keep the rules of trade strong and enforced to ensure that American agricultural exports continue to thrive.”

Bomer Lauritsen, who recently retired from the U.S. government after 29 years of service and is now a trade policy consultant at Ag Trade Strategies, LLC, recapped many key trade breakthroughs for U.S. red meat over the years. She noted that while the Trump administration’s approach to tariffs and trade sometimes put agricultural exports in a negative position, it also helped bring key trading partners such as Japan and China to the negotiating table on longstanding market access obstacles for U.S. beef and pork. She also offered a preview of what to expect from a new administration.

“President-elect Biden has stated his priority will be fixing domestic issues first, but that doesn’t mean that the new administration at lower levels can’t lay the groundwork to build constructive relationships and a foundation for trade negotiation,” she said. “Biden also hasn’t rejected engaging on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), but has stated the U.S. would need to see changes. I think it’s possible to move forward with a Japan negotiation, although automotive issues will be difficult and could have ramifications for agriculture.”

Further, Pat Binger, new USMEF chair, explained that despite facing trade barriers and an uncertain economic climate in many key regions of the world, there are excellent prospects to further expansion of U.S. red meat’s global footprint.

“From a carcass utilization standpoint, we need to continue to find ways to expand our export product mix—that’s a big opportunity going forward,” Binger said. “Additionally, there are items today that our industry is not getting boxed, either due to lack of labor or a combination of labor and complexity, and that’s another opportunity that we need to manage through. But all in all, I am very optimistic about the U.S. red meat industry’s ability to take on challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. I remain excited and highly encouraged about the future of our industry.”