Daily Market Highlights

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices started the week’s trade on a mixed basis Wednesday. Live trades were unevenly steady in Texas at $110-$112/cwt. on moderate trade and light to moderate demand, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were a few early trades in Kansas at $110, but too few to trend. Prices in the Southern Plains last week were at $111.

Live trade in Nebraska was steady to $1 lower at $110 on light to moderate trade and demand. There were a few dressed trades at $172-$174, but too few to trend; $174 last week. Trade in the western Corn Belt last week was at $109-$110 on a live basis and at $172-$174 in the beef.

Cattle futures mostly eked out gains on Wednesday, despite a pullback in Choice boxed beef value and stronger front-month Corn futures.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 22¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 18¢ higher except for 5¢ lower in the back two contracts.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.51 lower Wednesday afternoon at $240.89/cwt. Select was 13¢ lower at $222.95.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 4¢ higher through Sep ’21 and then mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 7¢ to 9¢ lower through Sep ’21 and then 3¢ to 5¢ lower.

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

Major U.S. financial indices closed narrowly mixed Wednesday as investors awaited more clarity about the next round of federal economic stimulus and approval of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 59 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 6 points higher. The NASDAQ was down 5 points. 

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

In October, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) introduced what’s being termed the 75-percent rule in order to voluntarily ensure cash fed cattle trade is adequate for robust cash price discovery each week. That was in response to several bills introduced to Congress that would mandate minimum levels of weekly cash trade.

A Voluntary Framework to Achieve Robust Price Discovery in the Fed Cattle Market relies on what is termed robust cash trade volume for each of four regions, utilizing price discovery research from Stephen Koontz, agricultural economist at Colorado State University.

In order to comply with the framework, at least 75% of these robust trade levels must be achieved in each of four regions no fewer than 75% of the weeks in each quarter. The framework also outlines minimum levels of weekly regional participation from the four major packers. The framework is supposed to go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.

You can find details outlined in the Oct. 21 Cattle Current here.

“The question is whether this policy meets the objective to increase the level of negotiated trade and cattle price transparency,” says Elliott Dennis, Extension livestock economist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in the latest issue of In the Cattle Markets. “In other words, if this policy were historically in place, how likely would have minor (major) triggers occurred?”

Dennis used public data published weekly and available through USDA-AMS from 2013-2020, in order to find an answer.

“The industry’s 75 percent-rule was developed in response to proposed legislation to solve potential concerns about thinness in negotiated trade across different regions,” Dennis explains. “The current concern surrounding thinness in negotiated trade has more to do with lower cash prices received by producers due to the Holcomb Fire and COVID-19 pandemic. Changes to the federal law or industry policy would not have effectively raised producer prices received for cattle. Further, if this policy would have been implemented before either the Holcomb Fire or COVID-19 it would not have changed packing plants’ ability to process cattle (supply from feedlots) or lack of foodservice’s demand for beef.”

There are lots more to Dennis’ findings than space allows for here. You can find complete details here.

“This policy, in its current form and from the four cattle feeding regions perspective, is not likely to significantly improve the level of negotiated trade nor cattle market transparency. Since it does not change the supply of fed cattle nor the demand for wholesale beef, it is also not likely to increase the cash price received by producers,” Dennis emphasizes. “Anytime a policy is implemented, whether industry prompted or legislatively enacted, there is a potential for creating increased costs and reducing profitability for the entire beef complex. For example, to avert potential legislation, packers and feedlots could change cattle marketing behavior from profit-maximizing to negative policy aversion, creating inefficiencies in the beef complex. Consistent with the economic theory of derived demand, these additional costs, spurred on by potential policies, are likely to predominately be carried by the cow-calf industry.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on very light demand in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt through Tuesday afternoon. Elsewhere, it was at a standstill, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, live prices were at $111/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $110-$111 in Nebraska and $109-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed trade was at $172-$174.

Cattle futures closed higher on Tuesday, supported by ongoing strength in wholesale beef values and the outlook for steady to higher cash prices this week.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 47¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 81¢ higher.

By the way, winter wheat condition improved week to week, according to the USDA Crop Progress report for the week ending Nov. 29. 46% was rated as Good (40%) or Excellent (6%) versus 43% the previous week and 52% the previous year. 18% was rated as Poor (13%) or Very Poor (5%) compared to 21% the prior week and 14% the prior year.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 28¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $243.40/cwt. Select was 65¢ higher at $223.08.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ lower through Sep ’21 and then mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 4¢ to 6¢ lower.

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

Major U.S. financial indices closed higher Tuesday. Support included news of a new proposed economic stimulus plan and hawkish comments from Janet Yellen, President-elect Biden’s choice for Treasury Secretary, who stressed urgency in the nation taking more strides in addressing the economic fallout borne by the pandemic.  

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 185 points higher. The S&P 500 up closed 40 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 156 points.

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

Agricultural producer sentiment declined in November, according to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. It dropped 16 points to a reading of 167 after setting a record high in October.

“This is the opposite of what happened following the November 2016 election. That year producers became much more optimistic about the future following the election and, in turn, that optimism about the future helped drive the Ag Economy Barometer up sharply in late 2016 and early 2017,” says James Mintert, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture.

The Index of Future Expectations fell 30 points to a reading of 156 in November. However, the on-going rally in commodity prices and CFAP-2 payments continued to support producers’ view of current economic conditions with the Index of Current Conditions rising 9 points in November to 187, an all-time high for the index.

To learn more about what factors might be motivating the shift in producers’ sentiment before and after the November election, a series of questions focused on producers’ future expectations for environmental regulations, taxes and other key aspects of the agricultural economy were included in both the October and November surveys.

Comparing results from October to November, far more producers in November said they expect to see: 1) environmental regulations impacting agriculture to tighten over the next five years; 2) higher income tax rates for farms and ranches; 3) higher estate tax rates for farms and ranches; 4) less government support for the U.S. ethanol industry and 5) a weaker farm income safety net provided by U.S. government program policies.

Also of note, since the summer of 2019, Purdue researchers have been tracing producers’ perceptions regarding the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China. Specifically, the survey asks whether respondents think the dispute will be resolved soon and if the outcome will ultimately benefit U.S. agriculture. In January and February of this year, 80% of survey respondents said they expected to see the trade dispute with China be resolved in a way that benefits U.S. agriculture. In November, though, only 50% had the same expectation. Only 44% of respondents in November think it’s likely that China will fulfill the Phase One Trade Agreement requirements, down from 59% a month earlier.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, live prices were at $111/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $110-$111 in Nebraska and $109-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed trade was at $172-$174.

More narrowly, last week’s five-area direct average steer price was $110.27/cwt. on a live basis, which was 70¢ higher than the previous week, according to USDA data. The average steer price in the beef was $1.67 higher at $173.37.

Cattle futures closed mixed on Monday, amid month-end position squaring and some support from weaker grain futures.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 31¢ lower except for an average of 7¢ higher in the back two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 75¢ higher, from 55¢ higher at the back to $1.22 higher in spot Jan.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 83¢ higher Monday afternoon at $243.68/cwt. Select was $1.75 higher at $222.43.

Corn futures closed mostly 5¢ to 7¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 14¢ to 23¢ lower.

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

Major U.S. financial indices closed lower Monday, likely with some month-end positioning and profit taking.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 271 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 16 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 7 points.

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

“Exactly what to expect in fed cattle markets in the coming months depends on numerous factors including: the demographics of the feedlot population (both size and gender), feed costs, the time of the year, weather conditions and regional impacts,” says Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, in his weekly market comments.

Starting with gender of feedlot placements, Peel points out the latest quarterly inventory report indicated steers represented 62.4% of the feedlot inventory and heifers comprised 37.6%. At the same time a year earlier, the inventory was 60.8% steers and 39.2% heifers.

As for weights, Peel says 22% of the cattle placed on feed over the last six months weighed less than 600 lbs., 18% weighed 600-700 lbs., 22% weighed 700-800 lbs., 23% were 800-900 lbs. and 15% weighed more than 900 lbs.

“Feedlot placement weight is related to finished weight of fed cattle. However, the relationship is not one to one,” Peel explains. “For both steers and heifers in the typical range of placement weights, a 1 lb. increase in placement weight results in 0.5 lb. of additional finished weight.” 

Based on data from Kansas State University’s Focus on Feedlots, Peel says average daily gain (ADG) each month so far this year is higher year over year for steers and heifers. Steer ADG averaged 3.53 lbs. the last six months; 3.11 lbs. for heifers. Feed efficiency improved year over year, too.

“Feedlots will manage and balance these and many other factors as they deal with coming winter weather, rising feed costs, the mix of steers and heifers and the availability of feeder cattle of various sizes,” Peel says.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices ended the week generally steady to $1 higher on a live basis and $2 higher in the beef, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Live prices were at $111/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $110-$111 in Nebraska and $109-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed trade was at $174.

Cattle futures mostly drifted lower on Friday, amid extremely light holiday trade.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 47¢ lower (32¢ to 92¢ lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 24¢ lower except for an average of 26¢ higher in two contracts.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.21 lower Friday afternoon at $242.85/cwt. Select was 22¢ lower at $220.68.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 7¢ higher.

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

Major U.S. financial indices closed higher Friday, buoyed by the week’s mostly positive news surrounding apparent progress with COVID-19 vaccines.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 37 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 8 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 111 points.

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

Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 8% from the previous month and up 7% from the previous year, as of Oct. 31, according to USDA’s latest monthly Cold Storage report.

Frozen pork supplies were down 4% from the previous month and down 27% from last year.

Total red meat supplies in freezers were up 1% from the previous month but down 12% from last year.  

Total frozen poultry supplies were 7% less than the previous month and down 4% from a year earlier.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices were generally steady to $1 higher on a live basis and $2 higher in the beef, through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Live prices were at $111/cwt. in the Southern Plains on moderate demand and trade. Live prices were at $110 in the western Corn Belt on slow trade and moderate demand. There were a few in Nebraska at $110. Dressed trade was at $174.

Cattle futures mostly continued gains on Wednesday, buoyed by stronger cash markets, weaker grain futures, stronger wholesale beef values and light pre-holiday trade.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 27¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 92¢ higher (25¢ to $1.57 higher) except for 7¢ lower and 32¢ lower in the back two contracts.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 76¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $245.06/cwt. Select was $1.19 higher at $220.90.

Corn futures closed 5¢ lower through Jly ’21 and then mostly unchanged to 1¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 5¢ to 7¢ lower.

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

Major U.S. financial indices closed mixed Wednesday. Pressure included more jobless claims than traders expected.

Initial unemployment insurance claims last week were 778,000, which was 30,000 more than the previous week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 173 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 5 points lower. The NASDAQ was 57 points higher.

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

When Jan. 1 cattle inventory numbers come out toward the end of January, analysts with the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) expect to see more year- over-year contraction of the beef cow herd.

“The beef herd is expected to be down 0.5 to 1.0% based on year-to-date slaughter numbers that are above a year ago by about 2%, and heifer numbers in feedlots,” say LMIC analysts, in the latest Livestock Monitor. “It appears beef cows held for replacement are likely steady to below a year ago, given the uncertainty of 2020. Other heifers, those in the feedlot, are also expected to have pulled back. Those on feed are slightly lower than a year ago, while heifer slaughter is about 4% below last year.”

This year began with 31.31 million head, which was 1.18% less (-374,000 head) than the previous year.

“Bull slaughter is well below a year ago, a reflection of lower volumes of male cattle kept for breeding purposes. This is primarily driven by the cattle cycle and the smaller needs for bulls. LMIC estimates bull inventory Jan. 1 is likely slightly less than last year,” say LMIC analysts. “Steers over 500 lbs. are expected to fall, in line with July 1 calf crop expectations, as well as cattle weighing less than 500 lbs. Both are expected to be down over half a percent.”

Even with expectations for there to be slightly more dairy cows at the beginning of 2021, LMIC expects the total of all cattle and calves to be slightly less year over year. Total inventory at the beginning of this year was 0.41% less than the prior year.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade remained undeveloped through Tuesday afternoon, but the recent surge in Cattle futures and wholesale beef values bolstered hope for higher prices.

Cattle futures extended gains on Tuesday, supported by the previous session’s optimism and the brighter outlook for cash prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 50¢ higher (10¢ to $1.17 higher) except for 55¢ lower in the back contract.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 50¢ higher except for 2¢ lower in May.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.70 higher Tuesday afternoon at $244.30/cwt. Select was $2.23 higher at $219.71.

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

Soybean futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

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

Major U.S. financial indices closed higher again Tuesday with follow-through support from the previous session, tied to positive news about COVID-19 vaccines and the outlook toward a bounce in economic recovery in 2021.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 454 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 57 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 156 points.

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

U.S. beef exports for 2021 are projected to be $7.1 billion, according to the latest quarterly Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade, from USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS). The projection is $200 million more than the previous report in August, based on increased volume offsetting a decline in unit values.

Overall, ERS projects U.S. agricultural exports in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 at $152.0 billion, up $11.5 billion from the August forecast, fueled by increased soybean and corn export values.

“The projection for soybean exports is up $5.9 billion to a record $26.3 billion due to higher unit values, strong demand from China, and record volumes,” according to the report. “Corn exports are forecast up $4.2 billion to $13.2 billion as a result of reduced competition, higher unit values and record volumes…Wheat exports are projected at $6.2 billion, up $200 million, on higher unit values and slightly larger volumes.”

The forecast suggests China will become the largest market for U.S. agricultural products next year for the first time since 2017. Exports to that nation are projected at a record high $27.0 billion.

All of that is shrouded by the global economic contraction and ongoing uncertainty borne by the pandemic.

“Expectations of real gross domestic product (GDP) numbers have improved from the initial lockdown contractions, but recovery forecasts are still marked by uncertainty and prone to future setbacks,” say ERS analysts. “Overall, global real GDP growth is expected to fall by about 4.4% in 2020. This is slightly less severe than was previously feared back in June. Global trade volume, which declined 9.2% in FY 2020, is expected to increase 7.2% in FY 2021. The expected economic recovery in 2021 will be shaped by both regional and overall global success in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to boosting consumer spending.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on very light demand in the western Corn Belt through Monday afternoon. Elsewhere, it was at a standstill, according to data from the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Last week, live prices were at $110/cwt. in the Southern Plains and Nebraska and at $109-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices are steady at $172.

Cattle futures closed sharply higher on Monday, shaking off last week’s blues with the help of higher outside markets and an apparently bullish view of Friday’s Cattle on Feed report.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.99 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.83 higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.25 higher Monday afternoon at $241.60/cwt. Select was $2.50 higher at $217.48.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher

Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 12¢ higher through Aug ’21 and then mostly 4¢-7¢ higher.

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

Major U.S. financial indices closed higher Monday, buoyed by the third COVID-19 vaccine candidate that proved at least 90% effective in trials. Traders also seemed optimistic about Janet Yellen, former Federal Reserve Chair, being named Treasury secretary by president-elect Biden.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 327 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 20 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 25 points.

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

“Feeder markets are reflecting a mix of influences including seasonal supplies of calves, wheat pasture forage conditions, higher corn prices and volatility in futures markets,” says Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, in his weekly market comments. “Feeder markets have been very dynamic and it means that both cow-calf and stocker producers must constantly evaluate changing market conditions.”

By way of illustration, Peel graphed (see chart below) Oklahoma calf and feeder steer prices by weight from August through Nov. 20.

After posting lows during the winter storm in late October, he explains prices for steer calves and stockers weighing less than 600 lbs. increased sharply; little change at heavier weights.

“The result is a sharper bend in the price-weight line, with an even steeper price rollback for steers up to 600 pounds,” Peel says. “Using a stocker gain of 250 lbs. from 500 to 750 lbs., the value of gain in August was $1.02/lb. In October, the value of gain was slightly higher at $1.05/lb. based on lower prices for both 500 and 750-lb. steers. In November, the higher prices for the lightweight animals resulted in a lower value of gain of $0.74/lb. Of course, a 500-lb. stocker purchased now will not reach 750 lbs. for some time. However, March Feeder futures price was $134.48 recently. That with an expected early March basis of $1.69/cwt. for 750-lb. steers in Oklahoma suggests a final price of $136.17/cwt., close to the current cash price of $136.03/cwt.”

For cow-calf producers selling calves at weaning, he explains recent prices mean the value of adding 50 lbs. to a 500-lb. steer is about 50¢/lb.

“For producers holding calves after weaning, the low value of gain must be balanced against the value of preconditioning programs and extra weaning time before sale,” Peel says. “The implications of current market conditions depend on the current weight of animals and the amount of additional weight added to animals prior to sale.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices ended last week steady, according to data from the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Live prices were at $110/cwt. in the Southern Plains and Nebraska and at $109-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices are steady at $172.

Estimated cattle slaughter for the week ending Nov. 21 was 665,000 head, according to USDA. That would be 12,000 head more than the prior week, but 3,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 28.73 million head would be 1.07 million fewer (-3.59%) than same period last year.

Estimated beef production for the week of 559.1 million lbs. would be 9.3 million lbs. more than the previous week and 5.4 million lbs. more than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 23.87 billion lbs. would be 245.8 million lbs. less (-1.02%) than the same period last year.

Cattle futures closed mixed on Friday with higher Lean Hog futures helping reverse some early pressure and firm following the previous session’s pullback.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 33¢ lower to an average of 14¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 55¢ lower across the front half of the board to an average of 27¢ higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 65¢ higher Friday afternoon at $238.35/cwt. Select was $1.09 higher at $214.98.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally mixed.

Soybean futures closed 2¢ to 6¢ higher through Sep and then mostly 1¢ lower.

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

Major U.S. financial indices closed lower Friday, pressured by the continued rise in COVID-19 infections.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 219 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 24 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 49 points.

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

USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report issued Friday—for feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity—will likely be viewed as neutral to slightly friendly.

There were 2.19 million head placed in October which was 270,000 head fewer (-10.97%) than a year earlier. Estimates ahead of the report suggested placements to be about 1.5% more.

In terms of weights, 49% went on feed weighing less than 600 lbs.; 39% weighing 700-899 lbs.; 12% weighing 900 lbs. or more.

Marketings of 1.87 million head in October were just 2,000 fewer (-0.11%) than a year earlier, about in line with pre-report estimates.

Cattle on feed Nov. 1 were 11.97 million head, which was 157,000 head more (+1.33%) than a year earlier. That was slightly less than expectations. The number is the most for the month since the data series began in 1996.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on moderate demand in Kansas, Nebraska and the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were a few live trades at $110/cwt. and a few in the beef at $172, but too few to trend. Established prices for the week are mainly steady with live trade at $110 in the Southern Plains and Nebraska and at $109-$110 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices are steady at $172.

Cattle futures closed sharply lower Thursday. Lingering pressures include persistently higher grain prices and languishing cash fed cattle prices. Chatter about fears of more pandemic-driven packing disruptions contributed to the day’s decline.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.85 lower, from 92¢ lower at the back to $2.62 lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.10 lower, except for 25¢ lower in expiring Nov.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.86 higher Thursday afternoon at $237.70/cwt. Select was 27¢ higher at $213.89.

Net U.S. beef export sales (2020) for the week ending Nov. 12 totaled 46,400 metric tons, up noticeably from the previous week and the prior four-week average, according to the weekly U.S. Export Sales report from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Increases were primarily for South Korea, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 3¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed fractionally mixed to 4¢ higher.

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

U.S. financial indices closed slightly higher Thursday, amid a volatile session, with pressure from the continued surge in COVID-19 cases and increasing unemployment claims.

Initial unemployment insurance claims were 742,000 for the week ending Nov. 14, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That was 31,000 more than the previous week and more than traders expected.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 44 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 14 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 103 points.

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

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) declined in November for the first time since April. The RMI represents a monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

The overall index was down significantly to 46.8 from the previous month’s 53.2. The index ranges between 0 and 100 with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“Recent improvements in agriculture commodity prices, federal farm support payments, and the Federal Reserve’s record low interest rates have underpinned the Rural Mainstreet Economy. Still, only 6.5% of bankers reported economic improvements from October, while 12.9% detailed economic pullbacks for the month,” says Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University’s Heider College of Business.

However, the farmland-price index advanced above growth neutral for the second consecutive month. The November reading jumped to 55.0 from October’s 50.6. This is first time since 2013 that Creighton’s survey has recorded back-to-back above growth neutral readings in farmland prices.

Also, the November farm equipment-sales index increased to 42.9, its highest level since December 2013, and up from 37.9 in October. But, the reading has been below growth neutral for 86 consecutive months.

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.

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

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.

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

“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.