Top Farmer Conference: January 5, 2024

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Livestock

Net Return Prospects for Cattle Finishing in the Second Half of 2018

Recent trends in feeding cost of gain, the feeder to fed price ratio, and cattle finishing net returns.

Cattle Inventory Increases; Impact of Tariffs Hangs Over Markets

USDA estimated that the July 1 all cattle and calves inventory was 103.2 million head, 1% larger than a year earlier.

Pork Industry May Face Large Losses

With large losses a possibility, pork producers will want to consider how these losses might impact their business and make adjustments in preparation.

Increasing meat production likely to push cattle prices lower

Increasing beef production, combined with larger pork and chicken production, will exert substantial downward pressure on slaughter cattle prices the rest of the year.

Corn Silage Production Budget

This Ohio State University spreadsheet calculates a corn silage production budget. Without some form of budgeting and some method to track your enterprises’ progress you’ll have difficulty determining profitability and if you’ve met your goals for the farm.

Do you know how important trade is for the U.S. meat industry?

Growth in trade of animal products has been quite dramatic since the mid-1980s and U.S. agricultural producers – those engaged in animal agriculture and those engaged in feed grain and oilseed production – have benefited greatly.

Cattle inventory growth slowing down; but beef production still increasing

USDA released its annual Cattle inventory report last week and the report confirmed that, although the U.S. cattle herd was still growing during 2017, the rate of growth slowed sharply compared to recent years.

Ag Business Climate Outlook for 2018

Recorded January 3, 2018 | Purdue ag. economists Chris Hurt, Michael Langemeier & Jim Mintert discuss the ag. economy outlook and management strategies for 2018.

Volatility in 2017 Calf and Feeder Prices; What’s in Store for 2018?

Prices for calves and feeder cattle started off 2017 sharply lower than a year earlier but, by year-end, prices were well above 12 months prior.

Hog Prices Strengthen

Hog prices this fall have been stronger than anticipated. In early October, USDA analysts estimated that fourth quarter live prices would average $38-$40 per hundredweight.

Center for Commercial Agriculture