Accounting for all relevant variables like feed costs, breakeven prices and net return estimates for 2020 and 2021, cattle finishing is expected to be in the red through 2020, but signals point to a potential return to profitability in the first half of 2021, according to new data. Net returns averaged -$80/head in 2019 and analysts expect similar to slightly higher losses for 2020 altogether. But, net returns that have been lower look to turn around and be “much closer to breakeven prices” for the remainder of the calendar year. By the second quarter of 2021, look for positive net gains, according to this new analysis.