Rick Kment

Buyers quickly returned Friday morning with moderate gains seen in nearby livestock trade. The growing support in lean hog futures continues to move prices to or above short-term resistance levels, sparking increased long-term...

The livestock market futures during the week has been nothing less than impressive given the momentum and ability to break through resistance levels over the last few days. Traders will focus on two significant reports Friday to...

Buying in lean hog futures has stepped back into the complex with most contracts advancing above recent midweek gains. The firming tone in the market is helping to set the target on short- and long-term gains, hoping for...

Strong midweek gains in lean hog futures is offsetting early week pressure in the hog complex. The expectation is that fundamental and technical support moving into the complex will stimulate further momentum in most lean hog...

Feeder cattle futures surged higher following active losses in corn and soybean markets Wednesday morning. The focus on feeder cattle gains left the rest of the livestock market unsettled with growing pressure in deferred...

Active pressure in grain markets during overnight trade is expected to lead to mixed market moves in livestock futures at opening bell. The focus on production costs will be tempered by questions of further long-term market...

Despite aggressive gains late last week, traders took a much more subdued and cautious approach Tuesday morning. This is expected to limit active trade volume through most of the trading session.

Following a long three-day weekend, livestock traders are expected to quickly step back into the market with a combination of follow-through buying and cautionary positioning developing Tuesday morning.

Traders quickly moved into the cattle complex with buy orders as the focus moves to correct a potentially oversold market status. This could add increased price support at the end of the week. Hog futures remain under pressure...

Price pressure continues to build in cash and futures trade Friday morning as traders focus on the building fundamental and technical weakness in both cattle and hog futures. Following trade Friday, livestock markets will remain...

Firm pressure in live cattle and lean hog futures has put any chance of market stability on hold Thursday. Trades continue to adjust positions with growing concerns of further end of the week pressure developing.

Despite continued gains in corn markets midweek, buyer support is starting to redevelop in live cattle and feeder cattle futures. Traders are looking for continued market stability in all livestock trade, driven primarily by support...

Active pressure in lean hog futures focuses on the abrupt tumble in pork cutout values Tuesday. This is retracting most of the Tuesday rally, with concerns that higher feed prices and pork price uncertainty will add to market...

Aggressive price moves in corn trade during Tuesday's trading session, and again in overnight trade, has put more emphasis on higher feed costs. This continues to impact feeder cattle prices, but nearby live cattle contracts...

Follow-through pressure quickly developed in cattle trade Tuesday, adding to the underlying weakness early in the week. Concerns surrounding higher grain prices continue to keep buyers sidelined.

Following firm market pressure in nearby live cattle futures Monday, traders are returning to the complex with hopes and expectations of finding the much-needed support to add a spark to the dreary January market tone seen...

Triple-digit gains quickly developed in live cattle and feeder cattle futures Monday morning as traders continue to focus on previous weakness, combined with widespread outside market pressure.

As corn futures prices hover just below $5 per bushel, the movement in feed prices will continue to be a significant focus of all livestock market activity. Traders will continue to look ahead to Tuesday's USDA and WASDE reports...

Live cattle futures are leading the livestock market lower with moderate early pressure developing. The inability to renew strong buyer support in feeder cattle futures is directly related to the potential of corn prices moving...

Despite sharp early week price pressure across the cattle complex, renewed buyer support has slowly developed, as traders focus on steady-to-higher cash values and renewed gains trickling into meat values.

Weakness in corn prices has sparked renewed interest in the feeder cattle complex Thursday morning, although at this point, live cattle and lean hog markets remain mixed to mostly weaker.

Active pressure in lean hog futures Wednesday afternoon have now created questions if the market rally is over, or traders are taking profits on the way to 11-month highs. Price movements over the next two trading sessions will...

Mixed price movement is seen, with moderate cattle market losses tempered by additional price gains in the hog complex. Trade volume remains limited, although the focus on outside markets continues to be a huge factor across the...

The wide market swings in cattle and hog futures during the first two days of January is creating increased concern that market volatility may continue. Early morning stability is likely Wednesday until increased volume moves back...

Spillover selling is seen in feeder cattle trade following another swift move higher in corn markets. The concern of higher production costs continue to unwind cattle market gains seen during late December.

Aggressive widespread losses through the cattle complex Monday created underlying concerns that continued market challenges have not yet evaporated despite a "new year." Hog futures remain focused on firm fundamental support...

Further pressure in the cattle market is seen as continued high corn prices develop Monday morning. Hog futures are gaining momentum as spillover support from last week continues to drive buyers back into the complex.

The optimism of what 2021 will hold in store following a very challenging and turbulent 2020 is creating early momentum, although the underlying fundamental market picture does not change with the flip of a calendar page.

Active late-year support is sweeping through lean hog futures trade with prices testing short-term resistance levels, as renewed buyer support is moving into the market despite light trade volume.

The end of 2020 is finally in sight, and the challenges and market volatility of the last year will not be forgotten or missed anytime soon. Trade is expected to remain limited on New Year's Eve, leaving traders wondering which...

Cattle and hog markets are moving aggressively in opposite directions with spill-over cattle market selling offset by active lean hog gains. The recent rally in corn trade continues to be closely monitored in all livestock trade as...

Moderate to strong gains are seen in nearby live cattle futures as traders focus on the positive news last week surrounding higher cash cattle trade and expectations of further support later in the week.

Supportive cash cattle gains last week led to anticipation of further end of year support despite another short trading week. Renewed optimism is expected Monday as traders return from the long holiday weekend.

The December Cattle on Feed report released last Friday came in as expected with lower feeder cattle placements in November. However, yearly placements are well below previous years, creating concerns that can't be accounted for...

Livestock futures are showing very little activity early Thursday morning as most traders have already finished with needed business, and now focusing on making the best of the Christmas weekend.

Active late-day gains developed Wednesday in live cattle and lean hog futures trade. The ability to hold this positive support into the holiday weekend is likely to stimulate additional underlying momentum during the last week of 2020.

Trader activity remains extremely light with traders focusing on very limited additional market direction for the week. With markets closing early Thursday and closed Friday, traders seem to be quickly exiting the market.

Although markets are open for another two days before the Christmas break, it is very evident that the holiday season is here with limited trade activity allowing for moderate price shifts without much significant changes in...

Trade activity remains slow in all livestock markets Tuesday morning. The expectation is that limited interest will be seen through the rest of the week.

Trade activity is expected to remain subdued Tuesday and through the rest of the week with the focus on the Christmas holiday Friday. This should put the focus on cash market development over the next couple of days.

Widespread pressure in most markets Monday morning left livestock markets weaker during early-week trade. Limited market activity due to the upcoming holiday schedules will likely limit volume through most of the week.

The combination of firming livestock markets last week and continued focus on plans to roll out another COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday morning is creating hopes of moving forward and back to normal as soon as possible.

Following active support Thursday in live cattle and feeder cattle futures, traders are taking a much more protective view of the complex with prices mixed to mostly lower in early trade. Additional hog market pressure follows lack...

A move higher in boxed beef prices Thursday posted the first gain in the Live Cattle Equivalent Index since Dec. 1. This indicates that beef values have potentially hit or neared the bottom, with hope that renewed support will...

Trade activity remains quiet in all livestock trade Thursday morning. Cattle futures are slowly pulling away from previous gains, but still remain focused on price support which has developed over the last two weeks. Hog markets are...

Cattle futures and cash markets are moving in opposite directions heading into Thursday morning. The ability to test short-term resistance levels in February live cattle contracts is being tempered by active cash market pressure.

Active pressure developed in spot lean hog and feeder cattle futures Wednesday morning as traders quickly adjusted positions following early week gains. The renewed support in grain trade has put the focus back on increased...

Early week strength in lean hog and feeder cattle trade is helping to establish renewed buyer support early Wednesday morning. Limited additional activity is expected to develop with the tone of the market starting to move into a...

Spillover buyer support quickly moved into hog futures following aggressive triple-digit gains early in the week. This continues to add underlying support for the entire pork complex despite eroding wholesale pork prices.

Underlying weakness in beef and pork prices continues to create growing uncertainty about the ability to sustain recent futures support and maintain buyer interest heading into the holiday seasons.

Initial livestock gains slowly developed Monday morning, but the lack of active follow through buyer support has left markets hovering in a narrowly mixed trading range as trades search for additional outside market direction.

Strong late week gains in all cattle futures helped to rekindle buyer support across the complex. The focus on commercial buyer support as traders look for long-term demand growth is rekindling trade strength.

Despite a sluggish start Friday morning, buyer support is quickly redeveloping across cattle futures. This renewed interest could help to limit late-week fundamental pressure as traders focus on building on recent price support.

Additional late week pressure in cash cattle trade and boxed beef values is likely to add additional long-term concerns to the market. But for now, futures traders appear be focusing on outside market moves, after establishing...

Moderate to strong gains in feeder cattle and live cattle futures developed Thursday morning. This is a strong contrast to the weakness seen in cash and beef values, creating a split in market direction between the markets.

Cash cattle trade appears to be trickling into the market, a bit each day, with prices continuing to erode lower based on tumbling boxed beef values. So far, futures prices have stabilized, but market resolve is being tested.

Early gains have posted narrow gains in most livestock futures Wednesday morning. The potential to expand buyer support is helping to break away from previous losses.

Following strong pressure early in the week, livestock markets are faced with the potential to build needed market stability into the complex midweek. This could help to bring early buyer support back to the complex over the coming...

China's appetite for pork has been unmatched over the last couple of years as a result of African swine fever outbreaks in the country. But will this market continue as production levels rebound within the country?

Continued losses are slowly trickling into cattle trade, leaving traders still searching for support. Early moves in hog trade left prices mixed, although limited buying is starting to be seen.

Market tone through the entire livestock complex quickly soured Monday, following greater concerns of rising COVID-19 cases, impacting current and upcoming meat demand. Follow-through pressure is likely Tuesday, surrounded by...

Triple-digit price pressure is scattered through the livestock complex Monday morning. The underlying concern about COVID-related demand losses continues to add weakness to all livestock trade.

Live cattle futures shifted lower last week, creating concerns that the recent market rally may come to a premature end. But underlying market support and potential end-of-year buyer interest is creating renewed hope early...

Active cattle market pressure is once again seen in live cattle and feeder cattle futures. The growing concerns surrounding increased covid cases and how this may add to increased restrictions surrounding the holidays may...

Traders attempt to stabilize livestock markets at the end of the week following active pressure Thursday. Growing concerns of increased COVID-19 cases and the short- and long-term impact on beef and pork demand tipped livestock...

Follow-through losses in lean hog futures have added to the lack of market support across not only hog trade, but the entire cattle complex. Narrow initial losses in live cattle and feeder cattle futures are focused on grain...

Following the midweek bounce higher in live cattle futures trade, the direction of the complex through the end of the week remains less clear. Eroding beef cutout values and mixed cash cattle price moves may keep prices choppy in...

Early losses developed in all livestock trade as traders look for increased volume and direction from outside markets. Losses may hold through much of the morning in cattle and hog futures.

Follow-through gains in livestock trade Tuesday helped to bring additional stability to the complex, but traders are starting to focus on fundamental support, given the recent shifts in meat values and limited cash market direction.

Strong underlying support in feeder cattle futures has rekindled buyer support across the entire livestock market Tuesday morning. The focus on early-month optimism through the cattle complex seems to be growing as more buyers...

Lean hog futures ended November by setting monthly highs, creating expectations of follow-through support developing during early December. Limited interest in live cattle trade may cause further uncertainty in the cattle complex...

Traders slowly but steadily moved back into the market following holiday week with light to moderate price pressure in cattle futures offset by active gains across nearby lean hog futures.

Following a volatile but lightly traded Thanksgiving holiday week, traders are now focused on end-of-the-month positioning as trade returns to normal Monday. Outside market moves will continue to be a major focus at traders...

Narrowly mixed price moves have trickled into the lightly traded livestock market with the few traders who bothered to return following Thanksgiving looking to adjust positions ahead of the weekend.

Quiet trade is expected most of the morning Friday as futures markets will trade on a holiday abbreviated schedule with limited market volume expected due to most traders still absent until Monday.

Traders appear to be starting the Thanksgiving holiday early with very limited movement or market volume seen early Wednesday in all livestock markets. It could remain a sluggish and uneventful day ahead of the market holiday...

Early week trade has been positive across cattle futures as traders continue to focus on outside market optimism and how COVID-19 vaccine hopes can stimulate beef demand through the upcoming months.

Following aggressive cattle gains Monday, buyers are quick to jump back into the market Tuesday, adding expectations of additional pre-holiday gains in all cattle trade. Hog futures are mixed in a narrow to moderate range with...

Renewed buyer support following Monday's market rally is expected to create underlying firmness in most livestock trade. But given the limited holiday week trade volumes, the development of outside market pressure Tuesday morning...

Livestock futures are posting triple-digit gains Monday. Cattle futures are higher after a bullish on-feed report, while spillover buying has boosted hog futures.

Last Friday's release of the Nov. 1 Cattle on Feed report came in slightly below pre-report estimates and is likely to be viewed neutral to slightly bullish despite the continued large number of cattle within the system.

Narrowly mixed trade is developing early Friday morning with traders trying to bring a sense of stability back into the market. The aggressive losses Thursday were met with limited early trader volume Friday morning.

Livestock markets continue to reel from the aggressive losses that developed Thursday as traders discount recent market support surrounding uncertainty in demand growth and the upcoming afternoon Cattle on Feed report.

Lean hog futures are feeling pressure Thursday morning. This is testing short-term support and adding concerns of additional potential losses through the end of the month.

Limited volume early Thursday morning is expected to create mixed market prices, as traders continue to focus on outside markets and upcoming reports as they enter the complex. Aggressive feeder cattle losses Wednesday led by...

Livestock futures remain extremely quiet early Wednesday morning with mixed trade allowing prices to shift to either side of unchanged within a narrow range. This limited early market intensity may continue to keep most traders on...

Underlying support in wholesale beef values continues to develop across the entire complex following strong triple-digit gains in choice and select beef cuts Tuesday. This underlying fundamental support is likely to draw additional...

Active buying interest quickly moved into nearby lean hog futures, setting a firmer tone for the entire livestock complex Tuesday morning. The ability to move away from early week lows is creating some additional hope for gains in...

Following mixed trade Monday, traders appear to be focusing on regaining market stability following last Friday's price pressure. The ability to maintain prices within the current ranges ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday next week is...

Buyers trickled into cattle futures early Monday morning with the focus on covering short positions which were established late last week. The concern that Friday's shift lower may change longer-term market direction is causing...

Early trade in cattle and hog futures is expected to focus on adjusting following the aggressive late week losses Friday. This may spark moderate-to-wide price swings driven by a combination of short-covering and follow-through...

Strong support in cash cattle trade Thursday is solidifying the underlying support through the entire complex. Although futures prices have eased at opening bell, the focus on building fundamental support is likely to limit downside...

Cash cattle markets have rallied higher during late week trade with traders hoping that "Friday the 13th" won't be able to displace the developing good fortune in the market.

Live cattle futures have continued to show increased underlying support during the week. Nearby contracts are testing October highs, which would likely spark follow-through buyer support over the next few trading sessions.

Lean hog futures have been the market to watch early Thursday morning as traders quickly move away from previous cattle and grain market gains and back into lean hog futures.

Livestock futures have quickly broken away from the aggressive early week gains with prices mixed in a very narrow range. The lack of activity may keep prices in the current trading range with a combination of follow-through...

Aggressive gains in livestock trade during the day Monday sparked renewed buyer support across both cattle and hog futures. The combined focus on surging futures prices and elevated meat values is building the framework for...

Livestock futures surged higher. Aggressive buying in most outside markets quickly followed an announcement about positive COVID 19 vacination trials. Triple-digit gains in cattle and hog futures are keeping markets optimistic at...

Sharp losses in lean hog trade late last week, and wide market swings in outside overnight trade is setting up potential widespread market adjustments in cattle and hog futures Monday morning.

Narrow back-and-forth trade is seen across the livestock trade with traders adjusting to recent market futures market support. The focus on end of the week positioning appears to be the driver of early trade Friday.

Follow-through buyer support is expected to trickle into the complex Friday morning as traders adjust to the recent market support developing in live cattle and lean hog futures. End-of-week position adjustments and outside...

Active gains in feeder cattle and lean hog futures midweek sparked renewed optimism through the entire complex. Traders will continue to focus on outside market direction as well as growing COVID-19 case numbers as this has the...

Markets remain quiet with cattle trade mixed to mostly lower, while limited buyer is attempting to redevelop in lean hog futures. This could further limit active trade volume through the day.

Traders continue to focus on attempts to protect the price momentum from last week but limited additional buyer interest continues to spark uncertainty through the entire complex.

Market stability is seen across all livestock trade early Tuesday morning. The overall lack of trade volume and narrow price moves may set the tone for a very sluggish market day as traders continue to closely focus on election...

Similar to most other markets, livestock trade is expected to be tuned into election coverage Tuesday as the focus on the upcoming presidential choice will likely overshadow fundamental market moves most of the day.

Light to moderate losses are scattered through the livestock market. Although triple-digit pressure is evident in hog futures following additional pork value losses last week, cattle markets are holding limited losses in early week...

Traders are returning from the weekend with the expectation that further moderate buyer support will slowly develop in cattle trade. The lack of active cash markets last week is expected to keep packers searching for additional...

Active contracts of cattle and feeders are steady to lower and hogs are trading lower to start the week. Friday's on-feed report was bearish for cattle prices, but the early arrival of winter weather may offer some support...