Upcoming USDA reports will help paint a better picture of what producers will see in 2025

Futures markets rallied in recent days following record national average prices paid for fed cattle. With several USDA reports on the way, we are about to get a better picture on where markets are heading in 2025.

AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson spoke with RFD-TV’s own Tammi Arender on what we can expect from upcoming reports, demand in the cattle market, and what producers should keep an eye on.

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