Daily Market Highlights

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.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade got off to a strong start in the north Thursday with live prices $3 higher in Nebraska at $110/cwt. and $3-$4  higher in the western Corn Belt at $108-$110. Dressed prices were $4 higher in Nebraska at $172 and $5-$8 higher in the western Corn Belt at $172.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed again Thursday with Feeder Cattle receiving some support from softer grain futures.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 30¢ lower except for 5¢ higher in Aug.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 47¢ higher, except for 52¢ lower in spot Nov.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.66 higher Thursday afternoon at $226.50/cwt. Select was 22¢ lower at $208.24.

Corn futures closed mostly 4¢ to 9¢ lower through Sep ‘21, and then mostly 1¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 8¢ lower through Aug ‘21 and then mostly fractionally mixed. 

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U.S. financial indices closed lower Thursday, amid the resurgence in COVID-19 cases and renewal of stricter safety precautions that will delay economic recovery. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 317 points lower. The S&P 500 down 35 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 76 points.

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“Globally, though some recovery has occurred, demand for beef in international destinations continues to be influenced by pandemic responses and safety measures,” says Josh Maples, Extension livestock economist at Mississippi State University. “Beef demand at seated restaurants continues to be impacted, and demand in areas reliant on tourism still faces obstacles. The pace of recovery in international destinations will be key for beef exports moving forward and for the value that beef exports add to cattle production.”

In the latest issue of In the Cattle Markets, Maples explains September U.S. beef exports were stronger year over year to South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Canada. As well, he points out beef exports to China were the most on record for September, accounting for 5.3% of total U.S. beef export, vastly more than the 1% of exports China accounted for in all of 2019.

But, U.S. beef exports were 5.6% less overall in September, Maples says; down about 6% year to date through September.

“Beef exports to Mexico continued to lag behind the 2019 pace. During September, beef exports to Mexico were about 38% lower than in September 2019 and were 40% lower for the first nine months of 2020 compared to the first 9 months of 2019,” Maples explains. “Exports to Mexico were 14% of total January-September beef exports in 2019; in 2020, that share has dropped to about 9%.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in the Southern Plains and Nebraska through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Elsewhere, it was mostly inactive on very light demand.

If the weekly Fed Cattle Exchange Auction is any indication, prices could end up significantly higher this week. There were 1,119 head offered (six lots) and none sold. However, three lots from the Southern Plains were passed on at $110/cwt., which was $3 higher than last week’s country trade in the region.

As well, slaughter steers sold $3-$6 higher and fat heifers traded $2 higher at Sioux Falls Regional in South Dakota. There were 502 head of Choice 3-4 steers weighing an average of 1,627 lbs. that brought an average of $107.23, which was $1-$2 higher than the previous week’s country trade.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed Wednesday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 35¢ higher, from 12¢ to 80¢ higher, except for 2¢ lower toward the back.

Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 22¢ lower to an average of 38¢ higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 59¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $222.84/cwt. Select was 9¢ lower at $208.46.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 5¢ lower through Sept ‘21, and then fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 10¢ higher.

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U.S. financial indices closed narrowly mixed Wednesday, as investors appeared to take a breather, although major tech stocks bounced back from the previous session’s selloff.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 23 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 27 points higher. The NASDAQ closed 232 points higher.

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Customer transactions at major U.S. restaurant chains continue lower year over year but stabilized in October, according to The NPD Group (NPD).

Specifically, overall transactions held steady each week in October at 9% less year over year, according to NPD’s CREST^® Performance Alerts. Quick service restaurant chains, able to leverage off-premises operations during the pandemic, also stabilized at -9% throughout the month.

On the other hand, transactions fluctuated from -16% in the first week of October to  -14% in the last full week of the month at full service restaurant chains, which depend more on dine-in services.

Digital and off-premises orders underpinned gains in stability.

With dine-in operations limited and consumers in search of contactless foodservice, the NPD folks say digital restaurant orders from mobile apps, text messages, and the internet grew by 138% in the July, August, and September quarter compared to a year earlier. Off-premises orders from carry-out, delivery, and drive-thru increased by 22% year over year in the quarter, while on-premises/dine-in declined by 62% year over year. 

“While some of the steep transaction and traffic declines experienced at the height of the mandated shelter-at-home and dine-in closures have been recovered, many uncertainties lie ahead for the industry,” says David Portalatin, NPD food industry advisor. “The continuing pandemic, governmental restrictions, and relief funding are just a few of the uncertainties. But, what we do know for certain is that consumers continue to rely on restaurants and other foodservice outlets to prepare their meals, and there is pent-up demand while we wait for a return to normalcy.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in the five-area direct regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). However, the recent bounce in Cattle futures and spiking wholesale beef prices have plenty of folks optimistic cash prices will rise when trade finally gets underway this week.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed Tuesday. Despite a massive rally in Corn and Soybean futures, surging wholesale beef values helped Live Cattle maintain ground, but pressured Feeder Cattle.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 33¢ higher, from 2¢ to 95¢ higher, except for 10¢ lower in near Apr.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 37¢ lower, except for an average of 10¢ higher in two contracts.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.86 higher Tuesday afternoon at $222.25/cwt. Select was $6.18 higher at $208.55.

Corn and soybean futures spiked higher Tuesday with the crop-friendly WASDE report (see below).

Corn futures closed mostly 11¢ to 15¢ higher through Sept ‘21, and then 3¢ to 8¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 21¢ to 33¢ higher through Sep ‘21, and then mostly from 11¢ to 17¢ higher.

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U.S. financial indices closed mixed Tuesday, with it appearing investors were trading some stay-at-home stocks for those that could benefit from further reopening of the domestic economy, given the previous day’s announcement of a vaccine candidate from Pfizer and BioNTech proving to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 262 points higher. The S&P 500 down 5 points lower. The NASDAQ was down 159 points.

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In the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) left the forecast five-area direct fed steer price unchanged from the previous month at $109/cwt. in the fourth quarter, $113 in the first quarter next year and at $114 for the average annual price in 2021.

Compared to the previous month, projected beef production for this year increased by 85 million lbs. to 27.22 billion lbs. Estimated beef production next year of 27.36 billion lbs. would be 142 million lbs. more than this year (+0.50%).

Estimated total red meat and poultry production this year increased by 216 million lbs. from the previous month’s projection to 106.61 billion lbs. Projected total red meat and poultry production next year of 107.47 billion lbs. would be 865 million lbs. more than this year (+0.81%).

Among other WASDE highlights:

Corn Corn production was forecast at 14.51 billion bu., down 215 million with a reduction in yield to 175.8 bu./acre. Corn exports were raised by 325 million bu. to 2.65 billion, which would be record high. Projected feed and residual use was lowered by 75 million bu. based on a smaller crop and higher expected prices.

With supply falling and use increasing, corn ending stocks for 2020-21 were projected 465 million bu. less at 1.7 billion. If realized, that would be the lowest ending stocks level since 2013-14. The season-average corn price was raised by 40¢ to $4.00/bu.

Soybeans The U.S. soybean outlook for 2020-21 is for lower production and ending stocks. Soybean production is forecast at 4.17 billion bu., down 98 million on lower yields. With reduced production, soybean ending stocks were projected at 190 million bu., down 100 million from last month. If realized, soybean ending stocks would be at the lowest level in the past seven years.

The U.S. season-average soybean price for 2020-21 was forecast 60¢ higher at $10.40/bu. The soybean meal price was forecast $20 higher at $355/short ton. The soybean oil price was forecast 2¢ higher at 34.5¢/lb.

Wheat The outlook for 2020-21 U.S. wheat this month is for stable supplies, higher domestic use, unchanged exports, and reduced ending stocks.

Projected 2020-21 ending stocks were reduced 6 million bu. to 877 million, down 15% from last year. The season-average farm price was unchanged at $4.70/bu.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices last week were $1 higher than the previous week in the Southern Plains at $107/cwt. on a live basis, $4-$6 higher in Nebraska at $107/cwt., and $3-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $105-$106. Dressed trade was $2-$9 higher at mostly $167, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week’s five-area weighted average fed steer price was $106.33/cwt. on a live basis, which was $1.26 higher than the previous week, but $8.27 less than the same time a year earlier. The average steer price in the beef was $165.35, which was $1.40 more than the prior week, but $15.69 less than the previous year.

Cattle futures roared higher Monday, buoyed by significant gains in wholesale beef prices and last week’s stronger cash fed cattle prices. There was also likely plenty of help from surging outside markets, tied to the reported efficacy of a coronavirus vaccine (more below).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.19 higher, from $1.20 higher toward the back to $3.17 higher in spot Dec.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.71 higher, from $1.90 higher at the back to $4.80 higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.07 higher Monday afternoon at $217.39/cwt. Select was $3.88 higher at $202.37. Week to week, Choice was $8.74 higher and Select was up $9.75. 

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 6¢ to 9¢ higher through Aug ‘21, and then mostly from 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher.

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Except for tech stocks, major U.S. financial indices rallied Monday on news that a vaccine candidate from Pfizer and BioNTech proved to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19.

Specifically, according to those companies, the vaccine candidate,  “…was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants without evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first interim efficacy analysis.”

The companies continue accumulating safety data and currently estimate that a median of two months of safety data following the second (and final) dose of the vaccine candidate—the amount of safety data specified by the FDA in its guidance for potential Emergency Use Authorization—will be available by the third week of November. Based on current projections those companies expect to produce globally up to 50 million vaccine doses this year and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

The Dow Jones Industrial closed 834 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 41 points higher. The NASDAQ down 181 points.

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Calf and feeder markets appear to be moving higher in the Southern Plains with wheat pasture prospects improved by recent moisture.

For instance, in Oklahoma, Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University says prices last week for steers weighing 450-600 lbs. were the highest since late August and early September. As an example, he notes the combined state auction price for Medium and Large #1 steers at 450-500 lbs. last week was $166.89/cwt. compared to $147.34 a week earlier, when storm severity helped damper markets.

Peel provided a price chart (below) in his weekly market comments published Monday.

“For animals below 600 lbs., the price drops sharply with additional weight (i.e. a bigger price rollback). Above 600 lbs., the price changes little with additional weight. A bigger price rollback reduces the value of gain. For example, the value of gain for 200 lbs. of gain from 450 to 650 lbs. is $0.62/lb. but for 650 to 850 lbs., the value of gain is $1.36/lb.,” Peel explains. 

Consequently, Peel says stocker producers should consider several factors, including beginning weight, how long the animals will be owned and how much gain will be added to the animals.

“With a possibly shortened winter grazing period, a heavier beginning weight currently offers a higher value of gain and may make sense,” Peel says. “The next few weeks may result in additional demand for stockers but will likely also see larger supplies of feeder cattle in Oklahoma auctions. Combined Oklahoma auction volume the past six weeks was down nearly 33%, in part due to the impacts of the winter storm. It appears there are significant numbers of calves and feeders yet to be marketed this fall. Stocker and feeder prices could move either higher or lower in the next month depending on the balance of increased demand and increased supply in auctions.”

Peel adds that the recent surge in Feeder Cattle futures is adding support to calf and feeder cattle prices.

“Winter grazing typically keys off the March Feeder futures contract,” he says. “March contract prices increased to over $135/cwt. at the end of last week, up from lows below $126/cwt. less than two weeks ago. Feeder markets are also closely watching feed grain markets as strong export demand has pushed grain prices higher.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices for the week were $1 higher than the previous week in the Southern Plains at $107/cwt. on a live basis, $4-$6 higher in Nebraska at $107/cwt., and $3-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $105-$106. Dressed trade was $2-$9 higher at $167, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Through Thursday, the five-area weighted average fed steer price was $106.35/cwt., $2.19 higher than the previous week, but $7.81 less than the same time a year earlier. The average steer price in the beef was $165.30, which was $5.60 less than the prior week and $16.11 less than the previous year.

Estimated total cattle slaughter for the week ending Nov. 7 of 647,000 would be 9,000 more than the previous week, but 10,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 27.4 million head is 1.06 million head fewer (-3.73%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 22.76 billion lbs. is 252.7 million lbs. less (-1.11%) than a year earlier.

Cattle futures closed mixed Friday, with Live Cattle edging higher and Feeder Cattle trading narrowly mixed. Support included the week’s higher cash prices and stronger wholesale beef values.

Cattle futures closed mixed Friday, with Live Cattle edging higher and Feeder Cattle trading narrowly mixed. Support included the week’s higher cash prices and stronger wholesale beef values.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 41¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 52¢ lower in the back three contracts to an average of 31¢ higher, except for unchanged in May.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.77 higher Friday afternoon at $214.32/cwt. Select was 48¢ lower at $198.49.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 2¢ to 3¢ higher, except for 2¢ to 3¢ lower in the front two contracts.

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Major U.S. financial indices tread water Friday with likely profit taking from the week’s broad step higher, as well as a national jobs report that was more positive than the trade expected.

Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 638,000 in October, and the unemployment rate declined to 6.9%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average hourly earnings for all employees on private non-farm payrolls increased by 4¢ in October to $29.50.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average down 66 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 1 point lower. The NASDAQ closed 4 points lower.

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“Daily Choice boxed beef started climbing again in the first week of November. Rib, chuck, and round all inched higher throughout the week, giving hope to some seasonal demand for cuts born from those primals,” say analysts with the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC), in the latest issue of Livestock Monitor. “Last year, Choice boxed beef was setting a new record and at that time was the highest value for the cutout. This year, that cutout value was eclipsed in April, but values have been unable to climb over a year ago since about mid-October.”

The decline in the cutout is about 10% below a year ago, ribs down about 4%, chuck down 9%, loins down 12%, and flanks down 10% year-over-year in Friday’s data, according to LMIC.

Similarly, those analysts explain, thus far in the fourth quarter, brisket value is down about 22-30% compared to the same time last year; short plates down 5-20%; round down 5-9%.

“Beef demand in the fourth quarter in recent years has been supportive for cattle prices,” say LMIC analysts. “This number is one we will have to continue to watch this year for signs the U.S. economy is recovering, though all primals are not considered equal in this timeframe. Rib primal values have been the primary benefactor of increased consumer demand in other years, while chuck and rounds seem to have more staying power through the first quarter.”

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices were $4-$6 higher than last week on a live basis in Nebraska through Thursday afternoon at $107/cwt., and $3-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $105-$106. Dressed trade was $2-$9 higher at $167, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Trade in the Southern Plains earlier in the week was $1 higher at $106.

Cattle futures closed mixed though, with Live Cattle edging higher and Feeder Cattle trading narrowly mixed, under continued pressure from higher grain prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 46¢ higher, except for unchanged in the back contract.

Feeder Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 26¢ lower to an average of 43¢ higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.36 higher Thursday afternoon at $215.55/cwt. Select was $1.92 higher at $198.97.

The average dressed steer weight of 931 lbs. for the week ending Oct. 24 was 2 lbs. heavier than the previous week and 25 lbs. heavier than the previous year, according to USDA’s Actual Slaughter Under Federal Inspection report. The average dressed heifer weight of 847 lbs. was 3 lbs. lighter than the previous week but 12 lbs. heavier year over year.

Grain futures, especially soybeans continued higher on mainly positive exports and adverse weather in South America.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 4¢ higher through Jly ‘21 and then mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 17¢ to 22¢ higher through Aug ‘21 and then mostly 10¢ to 13¢ higher. The spot month breeched the $11 mark for the first time in recent memory.

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Major U.S. financial indices extended the post-election rally Thursday. Although widely expected, support included the Fed’s decision to maintain interest rates at current levels.

“The ongoing public health crisis will continue to weigh on economic activity, employment, and inflation in the near term, and poses considerable risks to the economic outlook over the medium term,” (the Committee). “The Committee decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 0.25% and expects it will be appropriate to maintain this target range until labor market conditions have reached levels consistent with the Committee’s assessments of maximum employment and inflation has risen to 2% and is on track to moderately exceed 2% for some time.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 542 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 67 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 300 points.

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U.S. Beef exports to major Asian markets were about steady with the prior year in September but trended lower overall, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

September beef exports were down 6% from a year ago to 103,277 metric tons (mt), valued at $600.9 million (down 9%). Coming off record performances in August, exports to South Korea and Taiwan remained strong, while setting another new record in China. However, COVID-19 related obstacles continued to negatively impact demand for U.S. beef in several key markets, especially Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

“Although restaurant traffic and foodservice activity are not back to normal in most Asian markets, USMEF is very encouraged by the recovery in Asia and this was especially evident in the strong August and September exports of U.S. beef to Korea, Taiwan and China,” according to Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “As we close out the year, U.S. beef has a great opportunity to capture greater market share in Asia due to tightening supplies from Australia. While it will require more time, we also expect U.S. beef to regain momentum in regions where beef demand depends more heavily on travel and tourism, and where e-commerce channels are not as well-developed.”

For January through September, beef exports trailed last year’s pace by 8% in volume (911,936 mt) and 9% in value ($5.55 billion).

U.S. pork exports remained on a record pace, however. They were 10% more in September year over year in volume at 222,475 mt and 6% more in value at $563.2 million.

Through the first three quarters of this year, pork exports were 16% more than last year’s record pace in both volume (2.22 million mt) and value ($5.69 billion).

“Exporting countries are watching the hog production recovery in China very closely, because we know its demand for imported pork is moderating,” Halstrom explains. “While USMEF is pleased to see U.S. pork exports to China/Hong Kong maintaining a strong pace, it is vitally important that our export destinations remain diversified. The U.S. industry continues to pursue this goal aggressively, both in the Asia Pacific region and the Western Hemisphere.”

You can find a detailed summary of U.S. beef and pork exports at the USMEF website.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices were $1 higher on a live basis in the Southern Plains Wednesday at $107/cwt., with moderate demand, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

That matched the price paid for Southern Plains cattle in the weekly Fed Cattle Exchange auction. Cattle feeders offered 634 head and sold 296 head with delivery of 1-17 days.

Similarly, slaughter steers sold steady to $1 higher in the slaughter auction at Sioux Falls Regional in South Dakota: $105.34 for 281 Choice 2-3 steers weighing an average of 1,454 lbs.; $103.80 for 679 Choice 2-4 steers weighing an average of 1,556 lbs.

Cattle futures closed higher Wednesday, with support from recently stronger wholesale beef values, the brighter seasonal price outlook and the prospect for higher weekly cash trade.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 72¢ higher, from 5¢ higher in spot Dec to $1.10 higher at the back.

Feeder Cattle futures closed average of $1.40 higher, from 82¢ higher at the back to $1.97 higher toward the front

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 75¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $210.19/cwt. Select was $1.60 higher at $197.05.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 5¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 17¢ to 22¢ higher through Aug ‘21 and then mostly 13¢ higher.

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Major U.S. financial indices continued to rally Wednesday, led by tech stocks and despite the undecided U.S. presidential election.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 367 points higher. The S&P 500 closed 74 points higher. The NASDAQ was up 430 points.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is more optimistic about global economic recovery than it was in June, although improvement is likely to continue on the sluggish side, according to the most recent quarterly World Economic Outlook (WEO).

“We are projecting a somewhat less severe, though still deep recession in 2020, relative to our June forecast,” according to IMF analysts. “The revision is driven by second quarter GDP outturns in large advanced economies, which were not as negative as we had projected; China’s return to growth, which was stronger than expected; and signs of a more rapid recovery in the third quarter. Outturns would have been much weaker if it weren’t for sizable, swift, and unprecedented fiscal, monetary, and regulatory responses that maintained disposable income for households, protected cash flow for firms, and supported credit provision. Collectively these actions have so far prevented a recurrence of the financial catastrophe of 2008-09.”

Currently, IMF projects real global GDP this year to be 4.4% less than last year, when year-to-year GDP grew by 2.8%. Projected GDP for advanced economies this year is -5.8% compared to -3.3% for emerging and developing economies. IMF forecasts U.S. GDP this year at -4.3%.

Looking ahead, IMF projects global GDP at 5.2% next year; 3.0% for advanced economies, 6.0% for emerging economies and 3.1% for the United States.

“After the rebound in 2021, global growth is expected to gradually slow to about 3.5% into the medium term,” say IMF analysts. “This implies only limited progress toward catching up to the path of economic activity for 2020–25 projected before the pandemic for both advanced and emerging market and developing economies. It is also a severe setback to the projected improvement in average living standards across all country groups. The pandemic will reverse the progress made since the 1990s in reducing global poverty and will increase inequality.”