Livestock economists are not expecting much change in next year’s cattle market.
Experts are Rabobank say producers are holding back replacement heifers as they continue fighting drought and high feed prices. Right now, researchers are focused on studying total female cattle slaughter numbers, and they estimate 2022 will end with 17.6 million head of cows and heifers slaughtered. They warn those numbers could have long-lasting implications, including sacrificing gains in next year’s cow herd.
Without better precipitation over the winter and into next spring, researchers say the pattern will likely continue into 2024’s cow herd.
Related Stories
Strong beef demand is offsetting weaker cash cattle.
Brazil logistics issues may support U.S. soybean demand.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch breaks down a new Farm Bureau analysis showing that producers now earn less than 6 cents of every food dollar, as farm input costs continue to squeeze margins.
Productivity gains are supporting supply despite limited herd expansion.
Brooks York with AgriSompo addresses how current market conditions and risk management are impacted by volatility in the Middle East, and considerations for farmers in the spring planting season.
RFA and ACE leaders join us to discuss the latest developments in ethanol policy, market impacts, and the path forward
