Feed Price Implications for Fall

By: Kenny Burdine

As we move into fall, we have a pretty good feel for the size of the 2022 corn crop. Acreage is down significantly from last year and yield projections were reduced by almost 3 bushels this month to 172.5 per acre. After spending some time below $6 per bushel this summer, CME© December corn futures are in the upper $6 per bushel range. Barring a major shock on the demand side, feed prices are going to be a challenge for cattle operations this winter. So, I wanted to briefly talk through some implications of high feed prices on feeder cattle marketing and management.

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Beef Bash 2022 highlights resiliency and rebuilding from Kentucky tornado

Still recovering from the December 2021 tornadoes, Beef Bash 2022 will take place at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton Oct. 20.

“We felt it was important to continue the Beef Bash tradition in person and move forward with the program at the UKREC,” said Katie VanValin, beef specialist for the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, stationed at the UKREC. “We are looking forward to this opportunity to fellowship with those in the Kentucky beef industry and talk about the challenges and learning experiences we have had recovering and rebuilding from a natural disaster.”

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Taiwan officials visit Kentucky in anticipation of future corn, soybean purchases

Members of Kentucky corn and soybean associations joined representatives from the Republic of China (Taiwan) at an event Friday to sign Letters of Intent for Taiwan to purchase corn and soybean products from United States farmers over the next two years, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles has announced.

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Could Beyond Meat go bankrupt?

The Motley Fool

The pandemic was a bonanza for the plant-based "meat" industry. U.S. sales of plant-based meat soared 45% to $1.4 billion, and refrigerated plant-based meat sales expanded 75%. Beyond Meat certainly benefited, with retail sales of its products more than doubling in 2020. That red-hot demand hasn't lasted. Sales of plant-based meat were essentially flat in 2021 and 2022 isn't looking any better. Beyond Meat is being hit particularly hard. The company's refrigerated pea-based products have fallen out of favor, and the expensive launch of Beyond Meat Jerky hasn't gone according to plan. Beyond Meat's products are more expensive per pound than real meat, so the pressure that elevated inflation is putting on consumers right now is not helpful.

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The KJCA Fall Classic will take place September 23rd-25th at the Bluegrass Stockyards in Lexington, Kentucky. This annual event, which began in 2004, is more than just a cattle show. This event gives the next generation of beef advocates the opportunity to participate in competitive events such as individual sales, livestock judging, and advertising design. Last year, we had the all-time high record for attendance with over 130 youth participants and over 180 head of cattle. We have seen that by having this event with contests every year, participants are able to become more confident in their public speaking abilities and extend their network. Keeping the priority on youth recognition, the KJCA Fall Classic is concluded each year with an awards banquet commending members for their hard work and success.

We hope to see you there!