Daily Market Highlights

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow to moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Live prices were $1-$2 lower than last week at $105/cwt. Dressed prices were $3 lower at $165.

There were a few early sales in the western Corn Belt at $105 live and at $165 in the beef, but too few to trend. Prices last week were at $104-$105 and $168, respectively.

Trade was at a standstill in the Southern Plains. Prices there last week were at $108.

However, slaughter steers at the Sioux Falls Regional auction in South Dakota sold $3-$5 higher; $2-$4 higher for fat heifers. There were 185 Choice 2-3 steers weighing an average of 1,469 lbs. bringing an average of $107.13.

Cattle futures closed higher Wednesday, perhaps helped along by positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 61¢ higher, from 17¢ higher in spot Dec to 90¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 84¢ higher.

Choice Boxed beef cutout value was $1.60 lower Wednesday afternoon at $207.22/cwt. Select was 11¢ lower at $192.09.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ higher. ,

Soybean futures closed fractionally lower through Aug ‘21 and then mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed mixed Wednesday. Support included apparent progress toward another round of federal economic stimulus. On the negative side, U.S. retail and food services sales in November were 1.1% less than the previous month, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. That was a steeper decline than the trade expected.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 44 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 6 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 63 points. 

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Although feeder steer prices (750-800 lbs.) improved month to month in November, analysts with USDA’s Economic Research Service point out they were $8 less year over year at $138.22/cwt.

“The first prices reported in December were almost $13 below the same week last year at $136.67,” ERS analysts say, in the latest Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook. “The feeder steer price forecast for fourth-quarter 2020 was unchanged at $137/cwt.”

ERS also left forecast feeder prices (basis Oklahoma City) unchanged for next year at $133 in the first quarter, $136 in the second quarter, $141 in the third quarter and $138 for the annual average.

On the other side of the equation, the average five-area direct fed steer price the first week of December was 8% less than the same week a year earlier at $109.75/cwt. on a live basis, according to ERS—the lowest December starting price since 2010.

Consequently, ERS projected the average fourth-quarter price $1 lower at $108. However, they forecast next year’s average price $1 higher at $115. ERS forecast the second-quarter price $3 higher based on expectations of fewer cattle available for slaughter.

Specifically, fed steer prices are forecast to be $113 in the first and second quarters and $114 in the third quarter.

ERS also notes higher anticipated feed costs in 2021.

“The corn price estimate for the 2019-20 marketing year is $3.56/bu.; the 2020-21 forecast is $4.00, unchanged from last month’s forecast,” ERS analysts explain. “The soybean meal price estimate for the 2019-20 marketing year is $299.50/short ton. The 2020-21 forecast for soybean meal has been raised to $370/short ton, $15 higher than the last forecast. The alfalfa hay price in October was $171/ short ton, unchanged from September but $6 lower than October 2019. The five-state weighted average price for premium alfalfa hay in October was $194/ short ton, $2 higher than September but $11 lower than October 2019.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was a standstill in the Southern Plains through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Elsewhere, trade was very limited on very light demand. Live sales last week were at $108/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $106-$107 in Nebraska and at $104-$105 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed trade was at mostly $168.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed Tuesday, pressured by sluggish trade, as well as cash and wholesale beef weakness. Feeder Cattle edged mostly higher, perhaps helped along by brighter supply fundamentals down the road.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 32¢ lower to an average of 12¢ higher, except for unchanged in away-Feb.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 26¢ higher, except for 5¢ lower toward the back of the board.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 87¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $208.82/cwt. Select was 10¢ lower at $192.20.

Corn futures closed fractionally higher to 1¢ higher except for 5¢ lower in spot Dec.

Soybean futures closed mostly 10¢ to 14¢ higher through Aug ‘21 and then mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed higher Tuesday, with support from more optimism that Congress might be able to hash out another round of economic stimulus before the end of the year.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 337 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 47 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 155 points.

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Even with surging domestic COVID cases and some states reducing restaurant capacity, customer transaction declines at major restaurant chains improved in November, according to the NPD Group (NPD).

Specifically, customer transactions improved from -9% year over year in October to -8% in November. Transactions at major quick service restaurant chains—which represent the bulk of industry transactions—were slightly more robust at -7% year over year in November, according to NPD’s CREST® Performance Alerts, which provides a rapid weekly view of chain-specific transactions and share trends for 75 quick service, fast casual, midscale, and casual dining chains representing 53% of the commercial restaurant traffic in U.S.

“Major quick service restaurant chains have learned to expand their already high capacity for off-premises volumes,” says David Portalatin, NPD food industry advisor. “We should continue to expect drive-thru and delivery to be performance drivers for the best performing restaurant operators as consumers continue to shift meal occasions to the home.”

While dine-in restaurant traffic for the total industry, chains and independents, declined by 53% in October compared to year ago, off-premises visits increased by 21%. Total restaurant carry-out, which holds the largest traffic share of off-premises services at 46%, increased by 6%; drive-thru, which represents 43% share of traffic, grew by 24%; and delivery, which represents 11% share, realized a gain of 125% in October over year ago, according to NPD’s foodservice market research, which daily tracks how U.S. consumers use restaurants and foodservice outlets.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was a standstill in the five-area marketing region through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Live sales last week were at $108/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $106-$107 in Nebraska and at $104-$105 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed trade was at mostly $168.

The five-area direct weighted average steer price last week was $106.75 on a live basis, which was $3 less than the previous week. The average steer price in the beef of $167.77 was $4.52 lower.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed Monday, amid sluggish activity and awaiting cash direction, especially given last week’s disappointing trade in terms of both price and volume. However, they retained the lion’s share of gains made in the previous session.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 17¢ lower to unchanged to an average of 17¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 17¢ lower to an average of 19¢ higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.19 lower Monday at $209.69/cwt. Select was $3.41 lower at $192.30.

Corn futures closed mostly unchanged to fractionally mixed, except for 5¢ lower in spot Dec.

Soybean futures closed mostly 4¢ to 9¢ higher.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed mixed Monday. Apparently, optimism about the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine was overshadowed by concerns that increasing coronavirus infections will foster stricter pandemic restrictions in the meantime, which will weigh on economic recovery.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 184 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 15 points lower, but The NASDAQ was up 62 points.

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“China has been a rapidly growing market for global beef imports in recent years and is the largest beef importing country since 2018. This reflects underlying growth in beef demand in China, accentuated by the protein shortages due to ASF (African Swine Fever). China has been a minor market for U.S. beef but is growing rapidly,” says Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University. “The China share of U.S. beef exports exceeded 1% for the first time in 2019 and is the number seven beef export market at 2.9% of total beef exports thus far in 2020. Beef consumption in China is expected to continue growing and, assuming no additional political disruptions, China could be one of the top exports markets for U.S. beef in the next couple of years.”

Peel details the evolution of global animal protein markets in his latest weekly market comments. This year, he says evolution is driven by ongoing trends as well as COVID-19 impacts.

“Mexico is arguably the market most impacted by COVID-19 from a U.S., and specifically, a beef, perspective,” Peel says. “Exports of beef to Mexico are down 37.9% year over year, with declines from last year for every month in 2020. Mexico is suffering a devastating recession, the result of current federal policies aggravated by the pandemic.”

For overall perspective, Peel explains U.S. beef exports were 5.3% less year over year through October, while U.S. pork exports were 19.9% more, mostly due to Chinese demand. He adds that U.S. broiler exports were 4.2% more year over year.

Further back in the supply chain and closer to home, analysts with the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) point out North American cattle trade is generally higher year over year, despite pandemic disruptions.

Through October, total cattle imports to the U.S. from Mexico and Canada of nearly 1.73 million head were 6.4% more year over year.

“Shipments from Mexico account for the majority of the increase with a 14.6% rise year-to-date to almost 1.17 million head,” say LMIC analysts, in the latest Livestock Monitor. “Cattle shipments from Canada are down 7.4% through October totaling 561,654 head. Mexico primarily supplies feeder cattle destined for backgrounding operations or placement while Canadian cattle are typically market-ready cattle for slaughter.”

On the other end of the trade, year-over-year U.S. cattle exports to Canada and Mexico of 242,892 head were 2.7% more; 0.6% less to Canada but 21.2% more to Mexico.

“Most of the cattle exported to Mexico this year have been classified as cattle other than purebred breeding animals which means they are likely slaughter-ready cattle,” say LMIC analysts.

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

Last week, live prices were generally $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $108/cwt., and $4-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $104-$105. Dressed trade was $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $168. The previous week, prices in Nebraska were at $110 on a live basis and at $172-$174 in the beef.

Through Thursday, the weighted average five-area direct fed steer price was $106.86/cwt., which was $2.91 less than the previous week and $11.95 less than the previous year. The average steer price in the beef was $167.80, which was $4.49 less than the previous week and $20.31 less than the same time last year.  

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 665,000 head was 2,000 head less than the previous week and 11,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Total estimated year-to-date cattle slaughter of 30.63 million head is 1.07 million less (-3.38%) than a year earlier.

Estimated beef production last week of 559 million lbs. was 800,000 less than the previous week. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 25.46 billion lbs. was 227 million lbs. less (-0.88 %) than the same time last year.

Choice was 71¢ lower at $213.88/cwt. Select was $2.76 lower at $195.71.

Cattle futures closed higher Friday, extending gains from the previous session as open interest creeps higher, perhaps emboldened by an apparent top in year-over year carcass weights and demand promise with FDA issuing emergency use authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine (see below).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 95¢ higher, from 42¢ to $1.40 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.01 higher, from 45¢ higher toward the back to $2.12 higher in spot Jan.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 5¢ to 7¢ higher.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed narrowly mixed again Friday, amid continued uncertainty regarding economic stimulus talks.

Positive news came with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issuing the first emergency use authorization for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older. The emergency use authorization allows the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S.

“While not an FDA approval, today’s emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine holds the promise to alter the course of this pandemic in the United States,” says Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “With science guiding our decision-making, the available safety and effectiveness data support the authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine because the vaccine’s known and potential benefits clearly outweigh its known and potential risks. The data provided by the sponsor have met the FDA’s expectations as conveyed in our June and October guidance documents.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 47 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 4 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 27 points.

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“The virus calls the shots. The current resurgence means we’re probably in for a tough winter, with a slowdown in economic growth. If the virus is under control by the end of the summer, we’ll have brisk growth with falling unemployment by the fall,” says Larry DeBoer, an agricultural economist at Purdue University.

In his general economic outlook, part of the Purdue Ag Econ Report (PAER) Annual Outlook, DeBoer details pandemic-driven economic impacts thus far and expectations for the next 12 months. Among the highlights:

**Real GDP was $670 billion smaller in the third quarter 2020 compared to the fourth quarter 2019.

“Two-thirds of this decline was consumption spending, and all of that was due to services,” DeBoer explains. “Consumption spending is the driver of this recession.  Concern about social consumption is the driver of that drop. And the virus is the driver of that concern. The economy cannot fully recover until the virus is controlled.”

**“Investment spending is down just 2.9% since the fourth quarter. It was down 29% in the depths of the Great Recession,” DeBoer says. “Investment has held up this time. Investment in business structures has fallen by 15%, but business equipment is down only 2%. Perhaps businesses are retooling to enable social distancing. Home construction is up 5%.”

**“Even though private income fell at an annual rate of 12% from February to April, CARES Act benefits increased total personal income by 10%. This helped support consumer spending,” DeBoer explains. “Expect the inflation rate to rebound to 1.8% during the 12-months of 2021.”

**“As the vaccine rolls out and confidence rises, the accumulated savings, low interest rates, modest gas prices and added government aid should allow consumers to act. Fourth quarter consumer spending growth is likely to be high,” DeBoer says.

**“Add up consumers, business investment, government purchases and trade, and real GDP should grow about 4.3% in 2021. That would be the highest growth rate since 1999,” DeBoer explains. “Expect the unemployment rate to be around 5.6% by this time next year.”

In the meantime, DeBoer says, “The resurgence of the virus and the expiration of many CARES Act provisions at the end of the year may stall our recovery in this quarter and the next.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light demand in Nebraska and in the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were a few live sales in Nebraska at $107/cwt. and a few dressed trades at $168, but too few to trend. Last week, live sales there were at $110 and dressed sales were at $172-$174.

In other regions this week:

Southern Plains—$108, which is $2 less than last week.

Western Corn Belt—$104-$105 on a live basis, which is $5 less than last week; $168 in the beef, which is $6 lower.

Cattle futures closed higher Thursday, with more activity, perhaps by bottom picking funds looking ahead to stronger demand once COVID-19 vaccinations take root.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 67¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 58¢ higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.67 lower Thursday afternoon at $214.59/cwt. Select was $3.18 lower at $198.47.

The average dressed steer weight the week ending Nov. 28 was 921 lbs., which was 2 lbs. lighter than the previous week but 10 lbs. heavier than the previous year, according to USDA’s Actual Slaughter Under Federal Inspection report. The average dressed heifer weight was 850 lbs., which was 3 lbs. heavier than the prior week and 10 lbs. heavier than the prior year.

Net U.S. beef export sales for 2020 of 3,000 metric tons (mt) were 78% less than the previous week and 80% less than the prior four-week average, according to the weekly U.S. Export Sales report from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Increases were primarily for Japan, Canada, China, and Indonesia.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower, except for 1¢ to 2¢ higher in the back four contracts.

Soybean futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ lower through Sep ’21 and then mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. That was despite a bullish WASDE report (see below).

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Major U.S. financial indices closed narrowly mixed Thursday. Pressure came from unresolved economic stimulus talks, as well as disappointing labor news.

Initial unemployment insurance claims the week ending Dec. 5 of 853,000 were 137,000 more than the previous week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That was more than the trade expected.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 69 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 4 points lower. The NASDAQ closed 66 points higher.

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USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) forecast U.S. beef production for this year 15 million lbs. more than in the previous month’s projection at 27.4 billion lbs., based on increased non-fed cattle slaughter more than offsetting lighter expected cattle carcass weights. That’s according to the latest monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE).

Beef production for next year was estimated at 27.26 billion lbs., which was 105 million lbs. less than the previous month’s estimate, on lower expected fed and non-fed cattle slaughter in the first half of 2021. If realized, beef production next year would be just 22 million lbs. more than this year.

ERS projected the annual average five-area direct steer price for 2021 $1 higher than the previous month at $115/cwt. That would be $6.54 more than this year’s estimated average of $108.46. For next year, prices are forecast at $113 in the first and second quarters; $114 in the third.

For 2021, projected total red meat and poultry production of 107.33 billion lbs. was reduced 145 million lbs. from the prior month’s forecast, with lower projected beef and poultry production more that offsetting slightly higher pork production. If realized, total red meat and poultry production next year would be 721 million lbs. more (+0.68%) than this year.

Among other WASDE highlights…

Corn—The U.S. corn supply and use outlook for 2020-21 was unchanged from last month. The projected season-average farm price was unchanged at $4.00/bu.

Soybeans—Ending stocks for 2020-21 were projected 175 million bu. less than the previous month, which would be the least since 2013-14. 

The U.S. season-average soybean price for 2020-21 was projected 15¢ higher at $10.55 bu. The soybean meal price was projected $15 higher at $370 per short ton. The soybean oil price was forecast 1.5¢ higher at 36¢/lb., with cash prices reaching the highest level in the past six years.

Wheat—Projected 2020-21 ending stocks were reduced 15 million bu. to 862 million, down 16% from last year. The season-average farm price was unchanged at $4.70/bu.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on very light demand in the Southern Plains through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Live prices there on Tuesday were $2 lower than last week at $108/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was slow on light demand. There were a few live trades in Nebraska at $107 and a few in the western Corn Belt at $104.50-$105.00, but too few to trend. There was some early dressed trade in both regions at $168, but also too few to trend. Last week, live prices were at $110 in Nebraska and at $109-$110 in the western Corn Belt; dressed trade at $172-$174.

Cattle futures mostly edged higher by the close Wednesday, helped by firming Lean Hog futures.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 25¢ higher except for 47¢ lower in spot Dec.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 41¢ higher except for 55¢ lower in spot Jan.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.76 lower Wednesday afternoon at $218.26/cwt. Select was $3.77 lower at $201.65.

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

Soybean futures closed mostly 11¢ to 12¢ higher through Jly ’21 and then mostly 5¢ to 7¢ higher.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed lower Wednesday, pressured by big tech stocks and stalled federal stimulus talks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 105 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 29 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 243 points.

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“While many of the food prices have come back down off the spikes in late spring and early summer, it remains the case that retail food prices are significantly higher now than at the same time last year,” says Jayson Lusk, agricultural economist at Purdue University, in his Food Price Outlook. “In October (the last data available), prices of food at grocery were 4% higher than the same time last year. It’s been almost a decade, since 2011, that we observed this rate of annual food price inflation. Despite the restrictions on eating out, the price of food away from home was 3.9% higher in October 2020 than in October 2019; this year-over-year change is higher than has been observed in at least a decade.”

He notes meat, dairy, and egg prices are the primary drivers of higher retail food prices.

“In June 2020, prices of these products at grocery were 12.8% higher than the same time in 2019; as of October 2020, prices of these products were still running 6.1% higher than in 2019. However, the price increases are not just limited to meat and animal products. Cereal and bakery product prices were 3% higher in October 2020 compared to October 2019; Fruit and vegetable prices were 2.6% higher in October 2020 than in 2019,” Lusk says.

Closer to home, according to the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC), stronger ribeye prices are supporting higher carcass cutout values.

“Wholesale ribeye (roll, 2-in lip-on) prices accelerated to new weekly record highs during the weeks of Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, reaching $1,256/cwt. This price series dates back to 1995, and the previous record high was set earlier in 2020, due to pandemic-driven supply limitations during slaughter plant closures,” say LMIC analysts, in the latest Livestock Monitor. “These new record highs are thought to be supported by better than expected demand this holiday season. It is likely retailers were under-stocked for the demand seen late in the year. The rib primal cuts have become a feature in recent years. The wider availability of Prime graded beef and the inclusion of it at certain major retailers across the country has made a difference and elevated home meal use.”

Moreover, the LMIC folks point out that through last week the Chuck gained an average of 3.4% for the last five weeks, while the Round increased an average of 2.5%.

“Usually, Chuck primal values decline heading into the end of the year before increasing in the first quarter,” LMIC analysts explain. “Similarly, Rounds and Loins also do not typically have high points around this time of year but all are above a year ago and showing strength. Demand for beef seems to be what is helping these products, but other beef cuts have faded into the background. Lean beef trimmings have declined significantly since summer and have not recovered, even though total cow slaughter is down. It seems demand for ground product has eroded significantly as the pandemic has persisted.”

Looking ahead, Lusk says USDA’s Economic Research Service projects food inflation to moderate in 2021—1-2% for food at home compared to the 20-year historic average of 2.8% and 2-3% for food away from home, compared to 2.3% for the 20-year historic average.

“Even if food price inflation reverts to historical norms, this just means that prices have stopped increasing as fast as in 2020. Price levels remain higher than they were previously. As such, it will be important to keep an eye on food affordability and measures of food insecurity in 2021,” Lusk says.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade started the week at lower money Tuesday. Live prices were $2-$4 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $108/cwt. and $2 lower in Nebraska at $108, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. That was on slow trade and light demand. There were a few dressed sales in the western Corn Belt at $168, but too few to trend. Last week, dressed trade was at $172.

The five-area direct November weighted average fed steer price was $108.85/cwt. on  a live basis, which was $2.20 more than the previous month, but $6.50 less than the previous year. The weighted average steer price in the beef was $170.34, which was $2.87 more than the prior month but $12.20 less than the prior year.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed on Tuesday, finding some stability following the strong retreat in the previous session, perhaps helped along by softer grain futures.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 14¢ lower except for unchanged to 17¢ higher in three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 45¢ higher except for 22¢ lower in spot Jan.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.78 lower Tuesday afternoon at $225.02/cwt. Select was $4.06 lower at $205.42.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 12¢ lower through Sep ’21 and then mostly unchanged to 2¢ lower.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed higher Tuesday, apparently buoyed in part by the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in the United Kingdom and optimism regarding a federal stimulus package.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 104 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 10 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 62 points.

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“Beef production is forecast to decrease in 2021 with cyclically smaller cattle numbers and carcass weights retreating from record 2020 levels,” says Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, in his weekly market comments. “Beef trade is expected to improve with smaller beef imports and increased beef exports in the coming year. These will combine with decreased production to reduce per capita beef consumption in 2021.”

For this year, David Anderson, Extension livestock economist at Texas A&M University explains total beef production is on par with the same time last year.

“Steer and heifer slaughter is a little over 3% behind 2019 at this point. Total cow slaughter is 1.5% below 2019, but the source of the cows is interesting. Beef cow slaughter is up 2.5% while dairy cow slaughter is down 5.5% from a year ago,” Anderson explains, in the latest issue of In the Cattle Markets. “Low calf prices and drought conditions are acting to increase cow slaughter while higher milk prices have reduced dairy cow culling.”

Anderson adds that heavier fed steer and heifer carcasses continue to support beef production despite less slaughter.

“Steer dressed weights have averaged 906 lbs. this year compared to 876 lbs. last year. Heifer weights have averaged 833 lbs. this year, up 22 lbs. from 2019. Cow and bull dressed weights are within a pound of last year’s average,” Anderson says.

Although beef production is projected lower next year, Peel says total red meat and poultry production is projected to increase to another new record level of 107.2 billion lbs. with increased pork and poultry production offsetting decreased beef production. 

“However, with strong meat exports offsetting increased production, domestic total meat consumption is projected to decrease to 222.1 lbs. per capita, down from 225.3 lbs. in 2020,” Peel says. “Many factors may cause revisions to these forecasts including the speed and effectiveness of controlling the ongoing pandemic; macroeconomic uncertainties in the U.S. and global economies; changing feed market conditions; currency exchange rates; and evolving trade policy, among others. Conditions remain very dynamic and uncertain at the end of 2020 but there is potential for more stability in the second half of 2021.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand in the western Corn Belt through Monday afternoon. Elsewhere, it was at a standstill, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, live prices were at $110-$112/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $110 in Kansas and Nebraska and at $109-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed trade was at $172.

The average five-area direct steer price last week was $109.75 on a live basis, which was 52¢ less than the previous week. The average steer price in the beef was $172.29, which was $1.08 lower.

Cattle futures closed lower on Monday, pressured by fast-falling wholesale beef values and sluggish trade.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 93¢ lower except for an average of 12¢ higher in the back two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.33 lower.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.22 lower Monday afternoon at $230.80/cwt. Select was $8.03 lower at $209.48.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 3¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 5¢ to 7¢ higher except for fractionally lower to 4¢ lower in the front three contracts.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed mixed Monday, pressured by the continued increase in COVID-19 cases and lack of resolution for additional federal economic stimulus.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 148 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 7 points lower. The NASDAQ was up 55 points. 

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Exports of U.S. beef muscle cuts in October were higher year over year, however, reduced variety meat volumes pushed total beef exports slightly lower, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Specifically, beef muscle cut exports in October were 5% more in volume at 85,445 metric tons (mt) and 1% more in value at $573.8 million. For January-October, muscle cut exports were 5% below last year in volume (791,694 mt) and 8% lower in value ($5.48 billion).

Overall beef exports in October were slightly lower than a year ago at 107,591 mt (down 0.4%), valued at $646 million (down 0.5%). For January through October, total beef exports trailed last year’s pace by 7% in volume (1.02 million mt) and 8% in value ($6.2 billion).

There were signs of promise, though. Beef exports to China set another new record and volumes were above year-ago levels to Japan, Taiwan, Central America and Africa. While still below last year, beef exports to Mexico were the most since March.

U.S. pork exports posted broad-based gains in October, solidifying 2020’s record pace. They were up 8% year-over-year to 242,536 mt. Value was also 8% higher at $641.1 million. Through the first 10 months of the year, pork exports were 15% ahead of last year’s record pace at 2.46 million mt, with value up 16% to $6.33 billion.

“While the tight labor situation continues to limit the cut and variety meat specifications available for export, red meat demand is strengthening in many critical markets,” says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “October exports of bone-in hams, for example, were near the July record and up 50% from a year ago. This has been a volatile year, filled with shifts in consumer preferences and a lot of uncertainty for international buyers. But the U.S. industry has responded positively to these challenges and the demand dynamics for red meat are quite strong as we approach year’s end. When the gains made at retail over the past several months are combined with a stronger food service recovery, the prospects for export growth are very promising.”

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

For the week, live prices were $1 lower to $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $110-$112/cwt. They were $1 lower in Kansas at $110. Live prices were steady to $1 lower in Nebraska at $109-$110 and steady to $1 lower in the western Corn Belt at $109. Dressed trade was steady to $2 lower at $172-$174.

Through Thursday, the five-area direct weighted average steer price was $109.77 on a live basis, which was 40¢ lower than the previous week and $9.18 less than the same week last year. The average steer price in the beef was $1.10 lower week to week at $172.29; $15.45 lower year over year.

Cattle futures mostly closed lower on Friday, but found some footing in the wake of the previous session’s strong decline.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 24¢ lower except for an average of 12¢ higher in the back two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed from an average of 14¢ lower to an average of 8¢ higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.17 lower Friday afternoon at $235.02/cwt. Select was $2.42 lower at $217.51.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 6¢ lower through Sep ’21 and then mostly fractionally lower.

Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 5¢ lower through Jan ’22 and then fractionally higher.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed higher Friday, despite a less robust national employment report than the trade expected.

Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 245,000 in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national unemployment rate edged lower to 6.7%.

There was some speculation the optimistic trade for the day was based on the weaker employment numbers increasing odds for the government to come up with a more robust stimulus package.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 248 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 32 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 87 points.

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Despite and because of the pandemic, USDA’s Economic Research Service estimated net farm income and net cash farm income to be significantly higher this year. Reasons for the shift higher include reduced cost, increased crop receipts and the sharp increase in government payments.

Specifically, in its Highlights from the Farm Sector Income Forecast, ERS forecasts net farm income to increase by $36.0 billion (+43.1%) in 2020 to $119.6 billion. In inflation-adjusted 2020 dollars, net farm income is forecast to increase $35.0 billion (+41.3%) from 2019, increasing for the fourth consecutive year. If realized, net farm income in 2020 in inflation-adjusted terms would be at its highest level since 2013: 32.0% above the 2000-19 average of $90.6 billion.

ERS projects net cash farm income to be $24.7 billion higher (+22.6%) year over year in 2020 to $134.1 billion. Inflation-adjusted net cash farm income is forecast to increase $23.4 billion (+21.1%) from 2019, which would put it at its highest level since 2014: 22.5% above the 2000-19 average ($109.5 billion).

By way of definition, ERS analysts explain net cash farm income encompasses cash receipts from farming as well as farm-related income, including government payments, minus cash expenses. It does not include noncash items, such as inventory changes and economic depreciation, which are included in net farm income.

Cash receipts in 2020, for all commodities, are forecast to decrease $3.2 billion (-0.9%) to $366.5 billion, in nominal terms. Total animal/animal product receipts are expected to decrease $9.7 billion (-5.5%) with declines in receipts for broilers, cattle/calves, and hogs. On the other hand, total crop receipts are expected to increase $6.5 billion (+3.3%) from 2019 levels.

Direct Government farm payments are forecast at $46.5 billion in 2020, an increase of $24.0 billion in nominal terms (+107.1%), fueled by supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance for COVID-19 relief.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices continued steady to lower on Thursday with live trade in Kansas $1 lower at $110, steady to $1 lower in Nebraska at $109-$110. Dressed trade in Nebraska was steady to $2 lower at $172-$174.

Cattle futures closed lower on Thursday, pressured by softer cash prices, lower wholesale beef values and another day of higher front-month corn futures.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 82¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.36 lower from 95¢ lower to $2.00 lower in spot Jan.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.70 lower Thursday afternoon at $239.19/cwt. Select was $3.02 lower at $219.93.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 3¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 16¢ higher through Sep ’21 and then mostly 7¢ to 8¢ higher.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed narrowly mixed Thursday. Positive news on the day included fewer unemployment claims than traders were expecting.

Initial weekly unemployment insurance claims the week ending Nov. 26 totaled 712,000, which was 75,000 fewer than the previous week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 85 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 2 points lower. The NASDAQ was up 27 points.

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Ranchers and farmers scored high marks with consumers in trust and sustainability efforts, according to a recent national public opinion poll from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

Nearly nine in 10 adults (88%) trust agricultural producers, a 4% increase from AFBF’s June 2020 polling, pointing toward public recognition that food supply chain challenges brought on by the pandemic were not within the control of farmers and ranchers.

The survey of 2,200 U.S. adults found that more than half (58%) rate the sustainability practices of U.S. farmers positively, with broad agreement from a majority of adults across demographic groups. 

The survey also explored public attitudes about the environmental sustainability achievements of farmers and ranchers, as well as future direction to advance climate-smart farming. Overall, the public agrees farmers shouldn’t be expected to bear the financial burden alone. More than four in five adults (84%) say environmental sustainability and economic sustainability are both important for farmers, and most adults say both are very important. More than four in five adults also say feeding the world (84%) and farmers passing farms on to future generations (83%) are important. 

“Americans have a high level of trust in farmers, and they understand that we’re committed to protecting the soil, air and water,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We want to leave the land better than we found it for our children and grandchildren, as well as our nation. Our survey demonstrates that Americans are impressed by advancements in climate-smart farming and we look forward to building on that success.”

Looking to the future, the survey explores how Americans think sustainability efforts on farms and ranches should be funded. Seventy percent of adults say government incentives to encourage farmers to adopt additional sustainable agricultural practices would be effective. More than three-quarters of adults believe it is important for the government to fund science-based research (76%) and improve infrastructure (78%) to support agriculture.

At a time when some corporations are making sustainability commitments that include or impact agricultural production, a bipartisan majority of adults (62%) say corporations should compensate agricultural producers for the additional cost of implementing environmental practices to help achieve sustainability goals.