As of late, there are three major factors influencing livestock markets: weather, record high production and trade uncertainty. That’s according to NDSU Extension livestock economic Tim Petry. “The beef side is experiencing record exports, but we have to keep those up with projected record production for 2018,” says Petry. “The U.S. is also experiencing record pork production. The pork industry is even more depend on export markets with 30 percent leaving the country.” With a wild futures market, Petry says producers should be cautious with any pre-pricing. “I think cattle prices will be lower this year because there’s another half million head to sell yet. We’ll just have to wait and see.”