Cattle Market Price Watch: December 2016

 By Chris Prevatt

The August 2017 Feeder Cattle futures contract decreased by $0.22/cwt. during December.  Based on this futures price decrease, August Feeder Cattle revenues decreased by approximately $1.65/head ($0.22/cwt. * 7.5 cwt.) on a 750-pound feeder steer which amounts to $110.00/truckload (50,000 lbs.). The August Feeder Cattle futures contract high, contract low, and price range since September 2016 are $128.00, $109.90, and $18.10/cwt., respectively. The price range of $18.10/cwt. on a 750-pound feeder steer totals $135.75/head and $9,050.00/truckload.

1. 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.
2. 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.).
3. 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