BUDGETS: cow calf, backgrounding, summer grazing

LMIC: Analysis and Comments, In the Cattle Market, Livestock Monitor

MARKET REPORTS: area market reports

PRESENTATIONS: meeting presentations

LEASE PUBLICATIONS - farm and ranch

Chart of the Week

Prices for over 700 lb. steers have rebounded about $40/cwt.over last year's lows at this time, and are at a yearly high. Several positive fundamental supply and demand factors have led to this increase. April live cattle futures have increased about $20/cwt. since late August and are at contract highs at $129/cwt. June live cattle futures are about $8/cwt. lower than April so there is a good demand for feeder cattle that will reach slaughter weight by April. Fed cattle prices are being driven by strong beef exports. Furthermore, December corn futures prices have declined about 70 cents a bushel since mid-summer and are at contract lows at $3.42/bu. So feed costs are low and Midwest corn growers are actively seeking feeder cattle to feed their corn to.