Drought Showing Up In Steepening Of Hogs And Cattle Forward Curves

Published 08/07/2012, 01:53 AM
Updated 07/09/2023, 06:31 AM
LHc1
-
LCc1
-

Some readers may have a bit of trouble with this post, but these are the realities of the marketplace. The current spike in corn prices is already making its way into the forward prices for meat products. Cattle and hogs markets are pricing in the impact of higher feed costs cutting into margins. Cattle ranchers are also affected by the drought destroying pasture. Ranchers will be cutting herd numbers, sometimes simply because there is no fresh grass, while hay supplies are running low. Keeping barns sufficiently cool has also been a problem with misters and fans running full blast. As the stored feed begins to run out, cattle and hogs liquidation begins. Cattle sale barns are booked weeks in advance these days.

Reuters: - Cattle ranchers and hog farmers have been culling their herds because of high feed costs, scorched pasture and increased hay prices brought on by the drought.

This could result in a near-term boost to meat supplies and possible lower prices, but consumers might have to fork out more for meat next year when cattle and hog supplies tighten.

With the expectations of reduced supply in 2013, the futures curves for lean hogs and live cattle have steepened materially.
hogs and cattle futures curves

Latest comments

Loading next article…
Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.