CattleFax - Weekly Recap

The fed cattle market was steady in the South last week at $148. Trade in the north was mostly $240 dressed, even to $2.00 higher than a week ago. Live trade was $150 to $152, steady to mostly $2.00 higher as well. The boxed beef cut-out advanced again last week, with loins being quoted higher while ends were even to modestly lower. By late in the week the cut-out was steady to softer as a result.

Feeder cattle prices were mixed, ranging from $2.00 higher to $2.00 lower while calves were quoted $2.00 to $5.00 higher. Slaughter cows closed the week steady to $5.00 higher also. Demand was good for all classes of replacement cattle, as well as cattle eligible for turn-out to grass. Strong trimming prices continued to support cull cow values at historically high levels.

Corn was higher last week, the unrest in the Ukraine, which is a large grain exporter, fueled the increase.

Check out today's Chart of the Day. For recent market news and analysis, visit CattleFax.com.

CattleFax - Weekly Recap

Fed cattle prices were mostly $2.00 lower for the week as cattle in the South sold for $147 to mostly $148, while trade in the North was mostly $150 live and $237 to $240 dressed. Boxed beef was sharply higher on the week with limited supplies noted while demand for trimmings and end cuts, as well as loins, was strong.

Feeder cattle values were steady to $3.00 higher for the week while calves were steady $2.00 higher. Stout demand for all classes of replacement cattle was evident and offerings of calves and feeder cattle were limited, especially early in the week due to winter weather in parts of the Central Plains. Slaughter cows were primarily steady to $4.00 higher on the week; supplies remain tight.

Corn prices moved higher on the week as concern surfaced about cold soil temperatures as we move closer to spring and planting.

Check out today's Chart of the Day. For recent market news and analysis, visit CattleFax.com.

IBA seeks nominations for YCC program

With the beef industry changing so rapidly, identifying and educating leaders to help guide and strengthen the industry has never been so important.

The Illinois Beef Association (IBA) partners with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) to see that leadership development for both organizations is successful. That is why IBA is committed to sending delegates each year to NCBA's Young Cattlemen's Conference (YCC).

The YCC tour has proven to be an effective vehicle in identifying and developing potential leaders. More than 950 cattle producers have graduated from the YCC program since its inception in 1980. Many of these alumni participate in committees and councils, and serve on boards of directors.

This program has become the cornerstone of leadership training in the beef cattle industry. Dates for 2014 are May 29 - June 5.

Each year, IBA sends a representative on the YCC trip. Representatives must complete the nomination process and applications will be reviewed by the IBA Awards Committee. Applications are due April 1 and can be downloaded at www.illinoisbeef.com. Contact Jill Johnson at 217-787-4280 or jill@illinoisbeef.com with questions.

Learn more about the YCC program.

CattleFax - Weekly Recap

The fed cattle market was $4 to $5.00 higher for the week. In the south, the bulk of the sales occurred at $150. In the north, most of the trade was recorded at $150 to $152.50 on a live basis and $240 to $242 dressed. Trade volumes were moderate.

Boxed beef moved higher again last week as production remained limited. Asking price were ending the week sharply higher due to the higher fed cattle market last week as packers attempted to regain lost margin due to the higher cattle prices. Feeder cattle prices were narrowly mixed through the week, ending near steady. Calf values were even to $5.00 higher for the week as turn-out interest begins in earnest. Slaughter cows were steady to weak, following several weeks of higher prices.

Corn ended the week higher, as sellers remain reluctant to market last fall's crop.

Check out today's Chart of the Day. For recent market news and analysis, visit CattleFax.com.