Ranching
USDA Cattle on Feed: Higher Placements, Slower Marketings—How Montana Ranchers Should Read It
Fresh numbers out of USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report are giving the cattle trade something to chew on as spring work…
Ranching
Looking Past the Squeeze: What 2026 Profit Hopes Signal for Montana Livestock and Feed Markets
Profitability talk is starting to shift from “survive this year” to “position for next year,” and that matters in Montana where feed,…
Ranching
USDA Cattle on Feed: Higher Placements, Slower Marketings—Signals Montana Ranchers Should Read Carefully
New USDA Cattle on Feed numbers suggest U.S. feedlots brought in more cattle than a year ago while shipping fewer out. That…
Ranching
Cattle on Feed Numbers Shift: What Montana Ranchers Should Read Into Higher Placements
New USDA cattle numbers are giving the market something to chew on heading into spring. Reports indicate February feedlot placements were higher…
Ranching
Cattle Futures Firm While Grain Slips: What Montana Producers Should Take From March 20 Trade
Grain and livestock futures ended March 20 moving in opposite directions, according to market reports: corn, soybeans, and wheat finished lower, while…
Ranching
Cattle Futures Slide Ahead of USDA On-Feed Data, Putting Montana Calf Prices in Focus
Reports indicate cattle futures moved lower going into the end of the week as traders waited for clearer signals from cash trade…
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Grain Up, Cattle Lower: What March Futures Moves Could Signal for Montana Feed and Calf Prices
Grain markets ended Thursday, March 19, with a firmer tone, while cattle futures backed off—an end-of-day mix that matters in Montana where…
Ranching
USDA reports soymeal export sale; Montana feeders watch protein costs into 2026-27
USDA daily export reporting is usually a coastal headline—until it isn’t. On March 18, USDA reports indicate an “unknown destination” bought U.S.…
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Fewer Sale Barn Options Could Raise Montana Cattle Marketing Costs
Across the Northern Plains, reports indicate some livestock auction barns are consolidating, reducing sale-day options and pushing more cattle into fewer facilities.…
Ranching
Cattle Futures Sink Friday to End the Week: What the Selloff Could Mean for Montana Calf & Yearling Prices
Live and feeder cattle futures closed the week with sharp Friday losses—feeders hit harder. Here’s what it could mean for Montana calf…