Roe’s Livestock Outlook: Calf Price Outlook
US - Calf prices decrease as fall progresses and as more calves become ready for market.http://aede.osu.edu/people/roe.30/outlook/2006/sep06commentary.pdfHowever, calves gain weight as fall progresses, which means more pounds per sale. How does one balance these competing trends and find the best time to market your calves? In this column I revisit this annual fall marketing question using some weight-specific and month-specific feeder cattle price predictions.
These predictions are based upon a statistical model of Kentucky feeder steer auction prices that takes into account feed prices, current feeder cattle prices, cattle futures prices, seasonality and animal weight. I will also give you some assessment of how well this model worked last year, so you can judge for yourself how seriously to take this year’s price projections. However, pushing your own pencil and considering all your marketing options with regard to marketing spring b orn calves is an important exercise for all cow calf operators.
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