Sort & Cull

As I sit here and think about this past year and the wild success which the cattle complex has had, I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to connect with our readers and serve you through 2024. As I stated in DTN's Top 10 Ag Stories of 2024: No. 8: Record-High Prices Rippled Through the Cattle Market in 2024, https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Words like "unprecedented" and "historic" are commonly used in various market stories. While we may unknowingly grow dull to the words themselves, and the reality in how they affect the market, the cattle market's prices are the proof in the pudding. You can see more about my 2024 reflections on prices and cattle supplies in that article, as well as some story links to stories during the year about cattle prices.

And, if you missed last week's USDA Dec. 1 Cattle on Feed Report, check out https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Now here we sit, the week of Christmas, with the CME Feeder Cattle Index trading at $262.15, Southern live cattle traded at $191 last week and Northern dressed cattle traded $305 last week. Given the supply and demand outlook for the year ahead, cattlemen are likely to reap the benefits of an incredibly strong market again in 2025.

It's unlikely that much will develop in the cattle markets this week as traders will enjoy the shortened week, and packers will run lighter kill schedules. I'll be here this week to keep an eye on the markets for you and promise to update you if anything unexpected develops. So, rest assured, if you do get the opportunity to slip away, I'll get you back up to speed early next week.

So, with that, I genuinely hope that you slip away this week and spend some quality time with your family, friends or loved ones. Spread some Christmas cheer, make some new memories and take time to ponder on old ones.

I have two little boys at home, ages 1 and 3, and one of the Christmas traditions that we've started to do is having a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas. We turn all the lights off in the house, sit by the tree in the glow of the Christmas lights, and sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus.

Merry Christmas, friends, it's been another incredible ride this year!

ShayLe Stewart can be reached at shayle.steward@dtn.com

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