By increasing feed costs, researchers hope the decreased fertilizer inputs and increased cattle gains will offset the costs and improve profitability for the system.
A rally in cash cattle prices lifted cattle feeding margins more than $100 per head and left packers mired in red ink. Pork margins have held firm in the mid-$40s for six weeks.
Cash cattle trade was called light with prices rallying near, but not reaching, the $2 summit. USDA’s Cattle on Feed report found larger-than-expected May placements.