Fed cattle price down US$/cwt 3-4

Frigid temperatures crashed down into the plains with some snow and wind. This week’s focus will be retailers’ reaction to two weeks of dramatically reduced slaughter volumes. Live prices have fallen US$ 10 and the composite has matched the decline leaving processors in the same place for margins. Packer focus will be on lowering input cost while raising primal prices. The Trump administration changed tactics on Bird Flu and approved a vaccine from Zoetis to control the virus rather than mass culling of infected flocks. It is unclear how the plans will affect beef cattle although dairy cattle are included in the vaccination plans.