According to Jim Robb (director of the Livestock Marketing Information Center) he believes the volatility seen in agricultural markets will continue. "If you sell at the same time every year, that mindset may need to change. The marketplace today is volatile, so you need to have an array of optoins for when you sell"
He says for instance more calves will be held in 2008 to be sold in 2009 than have been held back for many years. As a result of these changes, he anticipates prices in 09 will be weak during the 1st quarter, better during the 2nd quarter, weakest during the 3rd quarter, and rally in the fourth quarter.
He believes that prices for 500-600 lb calves will remain lower due to corn prices; and conversely prices for 700-800 weight feeders should be trending steady to upward through the year end. This is resulting from the need to be on corn for fewer days.
I dont know about the rest of you folks, but we are already seeing it that way around here for the most part. Weaned, vaccinated 700-800 lb steers are bringing a really good price.
He says for instance more calves will be held in 2008 to be sold in 2009 than have been held back for many years. As a result of these changes, he anticipates prices in 09 will be weak during the 1st quarter, better during the 2nd quarter, weakest during the 3rd quarter, and rally in the fourth quarter.
He believes that prices for 500-600 lb calves will remain lower due to corn prices; and conversely prices for 700-800 weight feeders should be trending steady to upward through the year end. This is resulting from the need to be on corn for fewer days.
I dont know about the rest of you folks, but we are already seeing it that way around here for the most part. Weaned, vaccinated 700-800 lb steers are bringing a really good price.