The last three years has been a time of liquidation for the cattle herd. CattleFax Vice President of Analysis Kevin Good expects liquidation to continue for another year. “Last year about one-third of the cow herd was exposed to drought conditions and where we’re starting this year two-thirds of the beef cow herd is in dry conditions or worse and 40 percent is in drought conditions. We have some headwinds as we start this year.” At the Cattle Industry Convention in Houston, Good said 2022 fed steer prices will average $140 per hundredweight. That should influence the market for feeders and calves. Yearling steers are expected to average $172. “As you look at it today, the calf market at 550 pounds is close to $190 and we should be higher into the spring with green grass fever. Typically, the track back down into the fall is not as severe in these types of years.” Hamburger demand lifted the cull cow market and the market will continue to trend higher. Bred cows are forecast to be in a range of $1,700 to $2,000 per head.
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