August 2022 Cattle Feeding Projections
Posted: August 4, 2022 | Written By: Heidi Doering-Resch, M.S., Form-A-Feed
August 2022 Cattle Feeding Projections
Cattle projections continue to be impacted by many things. While feed prices have started to look a little more favorable with lowered cost of gains, purchase cost of feeders has hit a new level of high.
The amount of cull cows slaughtered, drought and cost of production have pushed our retainer levels to historic lows. This results in competition and nervousness in the feeder market. Estimating or guessing the futures live price vs cash basis has been a headache for many and makes it difficult for those looking to forward contract and packers themselves reluctant to give out contracts. There are a lot of deeper discussions that need to be had prior to cattle hitting pens. As feed costs continue to stay high and need some consistency in knowing feed costs, one should seek out professional help from a marketing advisor to help protect these investments.
Finding the right month to market cattle, feeding to the genetic potential of the cattle and maximizing the return has got to be figured in prior to cattle purchase. Use of technologies, both feed and technical should be viewed and discussed. As we bring in lighter, drought calves, management increases. Form-A-Feed has tools to help you with these areas to ease transition into the yard and set calves up for a profitable turn.
Be sure to meet with your Form-A-Feed nutrition and production specialist to discuss these items and your feedlot goals.