Dating cattle market

How to read the cattle market report?

How to read the cattle market report The market report is sectioned off into categories to keep similar animals together, so the first step is to find the category that fits what you are looking for. Use the market report to determine feeder steer prices Let’s say you are looking for a few feeder steers.

How to buy cattle?

Actually you can buy cattle in two ways. And these two ways are by auction and directly from private farm or livestock market. Here we are describing more about buying cattle (especially, the kind of cattle you are looking for, your budget, the places from where to buy, checking the cattle and negotiating a price).

What is the best time of year to sell cattle?

Most calves and cull cows are sold in the fall at weaning tim e, and prices tend to drop. However, many people don’t have the flexibility to market cattle at the best times because of their management program — with certain times of year for calving and weaning, and needing to use certain pastures at a certain time.

Do you have the flexibility to market cattle at the best times?

However, many people don’t have the flexibility to market cattle at the best times because of their management program — with certain times of year for calving and weaning, and needing to use certain pastures at a certain time. Some operations are locked into a certain system, and that may just be part of the cost of marketing.

What do the numbers on a cattle market report mean?

Here is the layout of one specific line of the market report to use as an example for figuring prices: The first set of numbers (400-500#- 12) means that there were 12 head of steers that weighed between 400 and 500 pounds at this sale. The second set of numbers (75.00-172.00) lists the price per 100 pounds (cwt) of live weight.

What is the comprehensive fed cattle weekly report?

The Comprehensive Fed Cattle Weekly Report offers the most current information on the current status of fed cattle being harvested. The report is published each Tuesday and includes the previous week’s change in carcass weights and quality grading. The latest report shows carcass weights flat at 853#. Weights are 2# under prior year.

What do you need to know about cattle futures?

Cattle Futures. Futures softened with no news from the cash markets. Benchmarking. On Tuesday of each week, USDA releases a weighted average price report for all cattle sold the previous week. The report summarizes the distributed price levels for each category of sale such as Negotiated/Formula/Forward Contracts.

How to decipher the information in a livestock report?

Deciphering the information is relatively simple once you understand the basics. Determine the classification of cattle in which you are interested. The livestock report is divided into separate classifications for heifers, steers, bulls and cows. Decide the weight classification.

How profitable is profitable cattle marketing?

Profitable cattle marketing involves more than just getting the highest price. It involves producing the type of calf the market desires, marketing that calf through the best outlet and at the best time. Unfortunately, most cow-calf producers simply sell their calves.

What is the best time of year to sell cattle?

Most calves and cull cows are sold in the fall at weaning tim e, and prices tend to drop. However, many people don’t have the flexibility to market cattle at the best times because of their management program — with certain times of year for calving and weaning, and needing to use certain pastures at a certain time.

Why is it difficult to market cattle?

Many producers do a good job of raising calves, taking care of cattle and keeping them healthy. Marketing, on the other hand, is often the most challenging part of their program, reducing potential profit. It can be challenging to market cattle at optimum times.

Should you buy cattle futures today?

Buying cattle futures today helps lock–in rising prices when you go to pick out your Fourth of July steaks. At the same time, cattle ranchers can short futures to lock in a selling price for the herds they produce, while meat producers like Tyson or Hillshire Farms can go long to secure a purchase price for meat they will need later.