It has been seven weeks since the Holcomb, Kansas, Tyson plant fire and cattle futures markets are mostly back to business as usual. That’s according to Oklahoma State University economist Dr. Darren Peel. He says the fire caused a dramatic ripple effect from the loss of fresh beef in the wholesale market.
In response, The choice boxed cutout jumped more than $23 to $239.87 at its peak. But the cash feeder market dropped on long-term uncertainty with fed cattle taking the biggest hit, falling $12.30 to a low of $100.07.
While future prices have returned to more normal, more seasonal levels analysts note that the growing spread between packers and producers is still a major concern.
