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Cattle on Feed report, Hogs and Pigs report expected to give markets short-term price direction.

Naomi Blohm, senior market adviser

September 24, 2020

4 Min Read
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Both the Cattle on Feed Report and the Hogs and Pigs Report will be released this week by USDA. These two big reports will shed valuable information on the livestock industry and should help dictate short-term price direction.

Cattle Outlook

Cattle futures have been trading in a very cautious uptrend since April. For the past month, prices have traded up this trending channeling line like a rock climber slowly scaling a mountain face; aware that at any moment the grip could be lost and the fall occurs.

The cattle industry is well aware that supplies are ample. Between high slaughter levels and heavy weights, production is up. On the most recent cold storage released this week, frozen beef stocks at the end of August came in at 460.2 million pounds. This was up more than 4% for the month, yet down 2% from last year at this time.

For Friday’s Cattle on Feed Report, the on feed number is expected to come in near 103.5 (with a range of estimates of 102.2-103.9). The placement number is expected to be at 106 (with a range of estimate 100.8-110). The marketed number is pegged to be near 96.7 (with a range of estimates of 95.7-97.5).  Cattle producers should be mindful of this potential large increase in production. The funds are long more than 59,000 contracts of cattle futures. Be mindful of any month end or quarter end position squaring by the funds should they deem Friday’s report bearish.                                                                                      

Related:U.S. lags in meat worker COVID-19 protection

Hog Outlook                                                                                                                                                   

With the exceptional export demand and news of African swine fever being found in a wild boar in Germany, hog futures have been in an uptrend since August. Production is strong, well over year ago values, but because U.S. exports are also strong, the market can easily absorb the extra production levels due to the swift export pace.

In this demand-led market, exports are strong and domestic pork consumption has also been steady. The most recent Cold Storage report showed that frozen stocks of pork for the month of August came in at 467.7 million pounds. This was up more than 1% for the month, yet down more than 20% from year ago levels.                                                                                                                                                          

The All Hogs and Pigs inventory is expected to come in at 100.1% of a year ago (with a range of estimates of 96.9-102.6) in the Sept. 24 report. The kept for market number is expected to come in near 100.6% of a year ago (with a range of estimates of 96.9-103). The kept for breeding category is expected to come in near 97.5% (with a range of 96.7-98.9).                                                                                                      

Related:Why China needs more corn

Barring any bearish surprises in the  report, due to strong export demand, hog futures appear to be able to hold the recent price gains. It will take continued strong export news in the weeks and months ahead to keep prices steady to higher. The Chinese hog herd is rebuilding quickly, so at some time the strong U.S. export pace may lose its luster, but for now the outlook continues to be optimistic.

 Reach Naomi Blohm: 800-334-9779 Twitter: @naomiblohm   and [email protected]

Disclaimer: The data contained herein is believed to be drawn from reliable sources but cannot be guaranteed. Individuals acting on this information are responsible for their own actions. Commodity trading may not be suitable for all recipients of this report. Futures and options trading involve significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. No representation is being made that scenario planning, strategy or discipline will guarantee success or profits. Any decisions you may make to buy, sell or hold a futures or options position on such research are entirely your own and not in any way deemed to be endorsed by or attributed to Total Farm Marketing. Total Farm Marketing and TFM refer to Stewart-Peterson Group Inc., Stewart-Peterson Inc., and SP Risk Services LLC. Stewart-Peterson Group Inc. is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as an introducing broker and is a member of National Futures Association. SP Risk Services, LLC is an insurance agency and an equal opportunity provider. Stewart-Peterson Inc. is a publishing company. A customer may have relationships with all three companies. SP Risk Services LLC and Stewart-Peterson Inc. are wholly owned by Stewart-Peterson Group Inc. unless otherwise noted, services referenced are services of Stewart-Peterson Group Inc. Presented for solicitation

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress. 

About the Author(s)

Naomi Blohm

senior market adviser, Total Farm Marketing by Stewart Peterson

Naomi specializes at helping farmers understand how to manage cash marketing needs and understand the importance of managing basis, delivery point considerations, cash flow needs and storage capacity. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Agriculture Business at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville. She has a Master of Science in Adult Education with an emphasis in Ag Economics from the UW-Platteville and a Master Certificate in Global Education, from the UW-Oshkosh.

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