E157: The Bull in the Cattle Markets

A shifting drought picture and more favorable weather in key cow-calf states are colliding with dry weather in the corn belt and extreme heat in the Southern US to make for an uncertain cost picture in today’s cattle market. But nevertheless, inventory remains tight and prices are strong as the market slides towards Labor Day. 

DTN Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart joins us today to discuss recent updates from the USDA’s mid-year Cattle Inventory Report as well as the July Cattle on Feed Report, while also taking a deep dive into the fundamental picture for what remains a hot beef market. We’ll talk weather– both precipitation and heat, and gain some clarity both on the feed and grass picture for the coming months.  

Then we’ll take a deeper look at the demand side of the equation, including exports, and better understand the current dynamics between feedlots and packers, especially where the Feeder Cattle market is concerned. We’ll tackle all this, and hear how things are going on ShayLe’s family cattle operation.