LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — Producers warn that today’s Mandatory Price Reporting system no longer provides the transparent cash-market signals Congress intended, creating challenges for price discovery in a cattle sector increasingly shaped by formula and contract sales. The law was designed to provide timely, uniform information across regions, but outdated confidentiality rules now impede reporting in several major feeding states.
The core problem stems from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) thresholds that prevent the publication of data when too few packers operate in a region. As a result, Texas and Colorado — both critical cattle-feeding hubs — often have no publicly reported cash prices. The Ag Center argues that USDA has made only incremental updates over 25 years despite major changes in packer procurement practices.
Operationally, thin cash trade magnifies the need for accurate reporting because base-price formulas typically reference cash values. Producers say today’s gaps hinder negotiations, distort formula settlements, and complicate hedging strategies.
Regionally, the reporting void is most acute in the Southern Plains, though similar issues are evident in parts of the Midwest and Northwest, where packing concentration limits the number of reportable transactions.
Analysts believe modern data systems and AI could rapidly overhaul reporting. Proposals include standardized FOB live-equivalent pricing, clearer transaction categories, updated regional definitions, and timed disclosure of grid and formula adjustments.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us to discuss the idea behind the campaign and why accurate labeling on plant-based beverages matters to both consumers and dairy producers.
October 14, 2025 04:47 PM
·
Hughes shares how he’s preparing for the competition, his partnership with Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis, and his journey from cattle ranching to professional bass fishing.
October 14, 2025 04:39 PM
·
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to share insight into what’s happening on the ground and in the markets.
October 14, 2025 04:30 PM
·
Cottage cheese sales are on the rise across the U.S., and industry leaders believe interest on social media is contributing to the surge in consumer demand.
October 14, 2025 04:16 PM
·
“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”
October 14, 2025 01:19 PM
·
Even in this strong market, some beef producers are leaving money on the table by not following proven marketing practices.
October 14, 2025 12:03 PM
·
President Trump is expected to press Argentina to take a tougher stance on China in exchange for political and economic support.
October 14, 2025 11:12 AM
·
Treat storage as risk management and logistics, and budget to break even since export growth is unlikely to absorb bigger U.S. corn and soybean crops.
October 13, 2025 04:34 PM
·
For rural borrowers, freeing up community-bank balance sheets could mean steadier home loans, operating lines, and ag real-estate financing as winter planning ramps up.
October 13, 2025 04:08 PM
·
