Cash Cattle Climb to Seven-Year Highs

Profitability for cattle producers hanging on to their herds continues to grow as cash cattle climbed to its highest point in seven years during the week of Oct 22. At $150.53 per cwt, average closeouts were $158 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Average cattle producer breakeven amounts for cattle placed on feed last week was $151 per cwt, up noticeably from $139 last week. Although the average cost of feeding a steer to finish weight was 12% higher for cattle the previous week and is projected to be 17% higher this week.

Read more on cattle market profit tracking here.