CAB Insider: Light weights, big impact

The latest USDA carcass weight data for the week beginning April 30 brings us ever closer to the lowest anticipated fed steer and heifer carcass weights of 2018. It’s commonly understood that the youngest calf-fed, spring-born animals comprise much of the fed-cattle harvest in May. That brings carcass weights down to their annual lows, as seasonal data has proven time and again. In the past five years, the exact week marking the annual low has varied from early to late May and we have no certainty as to exact timing. The USDA report on actual carcass weight is always two weeks in arrears, but last week’s estimated weights show dressed weights still declining, down 6 lb. on the week prior. –Drovers CattleNetwork Read more…