CattlePulse is a monthly update from Virginia Farm Bureau on the Virginia feeder cattle markets, the national trends that affect them and stories of cattle producers across the commonwealth.
The host, Virginia Farm Bureau’s Elijah Griles, covers economics, market trends and stories about Virginia’s cattle industry from across the Commonwealth. CattlePulse is the home for regular market updates about Virginia feeder cattle sales, timely and relevant production advancements, and interviews with producers and industry professionals.
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Record-Low Placements and a Market Rebound – CattlePulse
Record-low cattle placements are raising questions about when herd expansion will truly begin, while Virginia feeder cattle markets finally posted their first monthly gain since spring. In this episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest cattle on feed numbers, what they reveal about cattle supplies and producer behavior, and why strong consumer demand continues to support the market. Plus, get the latest update on Virginia drought conditions and feeder cattle prices.In This EpisodeNovember feeder cattle futures reached $333/cwt, up 0.7% from last month, while January futures climbed 0.9% to $326.50/cwt.The latest Cattle on Feed Report showed record-low September placements, the lowest for that month since data collection began in 1996, signaling continued tight feeder cattle supplies.Despite discussion of herd rebuilding, the heifer share on feed remains at 37.8%, suggesting widespread expansion has yet to begin.Lower cow and heifer slaughter rates may indicate producers are holding onto breeding stock longer to capitalize on historically strong calf prices.Research from Kansas State University highlights the outsized role of beef demand, showing that stronger consumer demand can have an even greater impact on feeder cattle prices than supply changes.Virginia drought conditions continue to improve, with 45% of the state now drought-free, though portions of Southside Virginia remain in drought.Virginia's six-market feeder cattle average rose to $391.90/cwt, up 3.8% from September and ending a five-month slide.October marked the first year since 2023 that Virginia feeder cattle prices increased from September to October, a sign of unusual seasonal strength.Resources MentionedVirginia Farm Bureau Hay ResourcesUSDA Cattle on Feed ReportKenny Burdine's Cattle Market Notes, University of KentuckyKansas State University Meat Demand MonitorU.S. Drought MonitorNOAA Climate Prediction Center outlooksCattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email elijah.griles@vafb.com.
