January 4, 2021 | Vol. 13 : No. 12
The December Cattle on Feed report showed that we are back where we started one year ago with Dec. 1 feedlot inventories just equal to last year. November placements were down 8.9% from one year ago. November marketings were 98% of last year. The report was well-anticipated with no surprises, though the low placements in this report will likely be viewed as mildly bullish.
Being last is usually not a great thing, but having the last dance is a notable exception. The cow-calf industry definitely has been the last segment to enjoy the value-based marketing revolution. But even if we have been a little late, we are now grabbing our seat at the table.
The Livestock Marketing Association applauds Congress for passing Dealer Statutory Trust in the COVID relief package. A Dealer Statutory Trust will provide sellers of livestock much-needed payment protection during dealer payment defaults.
The number of consumers who say they intend to eat beef at least weekly increased from 67% to 72% compared to 2019, and consumer positive perceptions of beef reached 70% for the first time, according to a new report released by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association that examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer attitudes, behaviors and perceptions.
After all 2020’s curveballs, here we are with four weeks (at the time of writing) left in the year and total beef production is almost the same amount as last year at this time. Through the week ending Dec. 5, 25.08 billion pounds (lb.) of beef have been produced compared to 25.2 billion lb. last year. That difference will likely be made up in the next four weeks and, if so, it will likely set a new record for beef production, at about 27.2 billion lb.
It deserves repeating: That Angus bull’s registration paper is worth $3,750. This year it was very apparent the value AngusLinkSM has brought to commercial cattle producers who sell their calves at weaning time. Many producers who enroll in AngusLink choose to enroll in Non-Hormone Treated Calves/NeverEver3 claims. Those producers who sold their calves during the summer video run this year averaged $5.35 per hundredweight more than calves just source- and age-verified.
It’s no secret market access is grounded in consumer demand. Dustin Aherin, animal protein vice president and analyst for Rabo AgriFinance, says understanding beef supply-chain dynamics will help cattlemen predict what the future holds. This video news is provided by Certified Angus Beef LLC and the American Angus Association. Visit www.CABcattle.com or www.angus.org for more information.
