NASHVILLE, TENN (RFD-TV) — Frigid cold and winter weather are sweeping through many parts of the United States, with the official start of winter quickly approaching. Analyst Sam Hudson, vice president of Corn Belt Marketing, said the cattle markets will be closely watching fluctuating temperatures this week for signs of livestock stress.
“I would say the temperature fluctuations are probably a bigger danger and threat overall,” he explained. “Sometimes, if it just gets cold and can stay cold and kind of freeze over, sometimes that’s a better situation all the way around. But this is that time of year you get those types of weather systems.”
Hudson said snow has been piling up across fields in his area of Illinois in recent days, but noted that farmers and ranchers in the region need any moisture they can get right now.
Today’s Weather Forecast
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Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
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Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
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Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
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Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
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