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March Cattle Market Price Watch

By Chris Prevatt    

The August 2017 Feeder Cattle futures contract increased by $8.32/cwt. during March. Based on this futures price increase, August Feeder Cattle revenues increased by approximately $62.40/head ($8.32/cwt. * 7.5 cwt.) on a 750-pound feeder steer which amounts to $4,160.00/truckload (50,000 lbs.).

The August Feeder Cattle futures contract high, contract low, and price range since September 2016 are $136.30, $109.90, and $26.40/cwt., respectively.

The price range of $26.40/cwt. on a 750-pound feeder steer totals $198.00/head and $13,200.00/truckload.




  • The breakeven price was estimated to be $722.10/hd. or $131.29/cwt. ($722.10/hd. divided by 5.50 cwt.). The breakeven price includes production costs of $705/hd. and death loss of $17.10/hd.
  • The price objective was estimated to be $872.10/hd. or $158.56/cwt. ($872.10/hd. divided by 5.50 cwt.). The price objective includes production costs of $705/hd., death loss ($17.10/hd.), family living withdrawal ($100/hd.), and growth capital/retirement ($50/hd.).
  • The expected cash price is equal to the daily August 2017 Feeder Cattle futures closing price plus an expected August 2017 South Florida 550 lb. Feeder Calf Basis of $2/cwt.

Source:ufl.edu
 


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