Mike Sands - Informa Economics Breaks Down Market Volatility Of Cattle Prices In 2015

Mar 25, 2015

Cattle prices in 2014 reached record levels, which created optimism and incentive for the industry to expand. Informa Economics Senior Vice President Mike Sands said with herd expansion underway, these price levels have some downside risk. The cattle market has seen more volatility since late 2014 into the first quarter of 2015. Sands said that volatility is a function of how tight supplies are.

“As supplies have tightened up, the upside risk in the market certainly has been rather significant,” Sands said. “We have posting record highs off and on since last summer - all the way across the spectrum of the cattle market. But as supplies now begin to look like at least expansion is underway, maybe we don’t see a big increase in beef production this year and potentially not even a big increase next year, but the point is, there are bigger supplies coming at some point. That will give us some downside risk as we move forward.”

In January the U.S. Department of Agriculture released the annual cattle inventory report and showed the nation’s producers have begun to hold back heifers and increase the size U.S. cow herd. Sands said there is no question the amount of heifer retention accelerated rather aggressively in 2014 and USDA also revised some historic numbers higher, so the industry is starting out at a higher base.

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Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.