Market and Industry News

Stay up to date with this week's industry news and market highlights. Also, learn more about what we're up to at Stockguard.

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What's new this week?

Good morning! Coming off of the holiday weekend, cattle prices have seen contract highs. Last week, live cattle prices were up over $3, and have continued the push this week. Feeder cattle prices were also driven up by cheaper corn prices and limited supplies. August, September, and October feeder cattle contracts rose over $3 to new highs on Tuesday. Meanwhile, corn prices closed at a little over $5 on Tuesday, down from last week.

 

Market Highlights

  • The cattle market has been trending upwards. Last week, live fed cattle prices were up over $3, and the trend has only continued over the past several days. June, August, and October live cattle contracts reached new highs on Tuesday. This rally was pushed by steady demand and cheaper feed prices.
  • Likewise, feeder cattle prices were up between $3 and $8 last week. Producers took advantage of lower corn prices and limited supplies by the market’s close on Tuesday. August feeders closed at $237.77, up $3.85, while September and October contracts also climbed over $3 to new contract highs.
  • Meanwhile, the grain markets have been volatile this week. Corn closed at approximately $5.25 on Tuesday, down from last week’s gain. The USDA released a report which stated that overall corn sales are down 36% compared to last year.

Industry News

A genetically modified calf is resistant to BVDV

Scientists with the University of Nebraska have produced a genetically modified calf, which is resistant to BVDV. The viral infection can negatively affect the animal’s respiratory and digestive system and spread to other cattle. The calf was exposed to the virus, but has remained healthy. The researchers will continue to monitor the calf and work to expand the experiment on other cattle breeds. 

Several regions experience flash drought conditions

Experts with the USDA have identified several conditions which may signal that the Corn Belt is experiencing a flash drought. Some portions of the Midwest have been dry for a time period of one to three months, which could impact crop production in areas of Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, and South Dakota.

Report highlights Iowa’s conservation progress

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recently released a report that details the progress that Iowa has made towards conservation. The data shows that, over the past decade, there has been substantial progress towards adopting conservation practices, though Iowa’s Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, said that there is still a lot of work to do.

Producers expand drone usage in the field

As many producers introduce new technology into their operations to help create more efficient processes, many are turning to using drones for a wide range of uses, from spraying to spreading cover crop seeds. For smaller producers and farmers, experts suggest drones as a cheaper alternative to big sprayers.

Why Should You Use Livestock Risk Protection?

As we look at today’s high cattle prices, it can feel like livestock insurance is unnecessary. However, the market is volatile and there’s no telling what tomorrow may bring. LRP helps you protect what you have against unexpected market price drops. 

With LRP’s price floor, you’re able to lock in your guaranteed minimum price, but the sky’s the limit. Don’t wait for prices to drop – visit stockguard.io to learn how you can get started with LRP today!

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