Spreads for Higher Quality Grades will Widen

Feb 26, 2020

By Dr. Andrew Griffith

I spoke with six individuals this past week that send cattle to either Kansas, Nebraska, or Iowa for finishing. A recurring theme was in relation to the spread between Prime, Branded, Choice, and Select beef. Some of the conversation was that the spreads have narrowed and the market is not offering the incentive to have as high of grading cattle. Looking back at the data does not support this assertion.

It is important to note that the price spread between different quality grades of beef have a seasonal component which means the spreads change throughout the year depending on supply and demand. The Prime to Branded beef spread exceeded $40 per hundredweight for 11 weeks in 2019. In the past five years, the only other time this happened was during the summer of 2017. The Choice Select spread the back half of 2019 was fairly typical in magnitude, but it was actually wider for a longer period of time than is typical. I think the issue is that most of these spreads are narrow given the current market, but narrowing this time of year is typical.

The spreads for higher quality grades will widen moving into summer.

Source : u.osu.edu

Video: Precision Planting DuraWear

Struggling with inconsistent planting depth from row to row? The new DuraWear Depth Handle from Precision Planting is designed to eliminate depth variability and make accurate calibration easier than ever.

In this video, Precision Planting’s Mike Schlitt walks through how the Dura Aware system helps growers achieve consistent, repeatable planting depth—without relying on guesswork or constantly checking T-handle positions.

What You’ll Learn:

— Why row-to-row depth variation impacts emergence and yield
— How the DuraWear Depth Handle allows micro-adjustments on each row
— How the system keeps every row in the same notch setting, even after calibration
— And more!

Whether you're dialing in your planter for spring or upgrading your setup for more precise depth control, the DuraWear Depth Handle gives you clarity, confidence, and consistency.