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3 Primary Market Drivers of Cattle Futures Prices

November 9, 2021 by Daniels Trading| Ag Marketing

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) offers a variety of agricultural futures contracts for public trade. From grains to livestock, hedgers and speculators alike have access to a diverse array of alternatives. Two of its premier offerings are live and feeder cattle futures.

Let’s take a look at three key drivers of cattle futures prices.

1. Supply and Demand

As with all commodities, the ongoing relationship between supply and demand plays a big role in the cattle futures markets. Generally, prices rise when demand grows or supply dwindles disproportionately, and price tends to fall when demand slips or supply grows.

Here are three key factors that may significantly impact the supply-demand curve for cattle:

Weather

Inclement weather is one of the most important considerations when addressing the beef supply. Exceedingly cold or wet winters can hamper animal weights and cause untimely deaths, thereby decreasing herd strength. Also, extended periods of bad weather pose logistics challenges, limiting deliveries to market. In either case, supply is negatively impacted and cattle futures prices are positioned to rise.

Disease

The onset of disease is a major cattle market driver. During the 2003 outbreak of mad cow disease in the U.S., it was estimated that the country’s beef industry would lose upward of $2 billion from the fallout. In the immediate aftermath of the outbreak, cattle futures prices fell nearly 20 percent over five days as U.S. exports went offline because of the contagion.

Consumer Behavior

The consumption of beef hinges on many factors, both economic and societal. From an economic standpoint, income levels and the price of protein substitutes are key drivers of beef demand. Also, societal factors such as changes in population size and dietary trends can greatly influence demand.

2. Producer Costs

Whether cultivating crops or tending to livestock, the sunk costs faced by ag producers influence the relative price of the underlying commodity. These costs are normally “priced in” to the market and have a positive or negative influence on asset values.

For beef producers, there are two primary sunk costs that can affect cattle futures prices:

Feed Costs

The costs of hay (alfalfa) and grain (corn) are primary market drivers of beef prices. Although the price of corn has historically shown a negative correlation with cattle prices, rising alfalfa and corn prices definitely contribute to higher feed costs. Given constant or strong demand, this can be a positive underpinning for spot and futures market cattle prices.

Logistics

The transport of livestock to market by truck or rail involves a substantial capital outlay. Fuel prices, distances traveled, and transported volumes can all drive the cost of logistics higher or lower. Ultimately, changes in the cost of logistics may send beef futures higher or lower at market.

3. Strength of the U.S. Dollar

Like the other CME commodity contracts, live and feeder cattle futures prices are denominated in U.S. dollars and cents per pound. Thus, pricing is inherently sensitive to fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar (USD).

The relative strength of the USD impacts cattle futures in two ways:

Bullish

During inflationary cycles, the purchasing power of the USD becomes diminished. Under this scenario, cattle futures are poised to rally. This tendency was evident in summer 2021 when live cattle futures rose more than 5 percent as the USD struggled to hold its ground.

Bearish

A period of deflation or hawkish monetary policy from the U.S. Federal Reserve can lead to weaker cattle prices. Generally, rising interest rates and tighter lending practices contribute to decreasing cattle and commodity prices.

It Takes Good Psychology to Profit from Cattle Futures Prices

If you’re a producer interested in hedging risk or a speculator in search of opportunity, CME ag futures can help. However, to profit in these exciting markets, it’s important to first develop a winning mindset.

For insights on how to improve your mental game, check out the StoneX “Trading Psychology” on-demand course. In it, you’ll learn how to develop the confidence and consistency you need to succeed in the futures marketplace. Don’t wait—sign up for your free look at trading psychology today!

Take the Trading Psychology course

Filed Under: Ag Marketing

About Daniels Trading

Daniels Trading is division of StoneX Financial Inc. located in the heart of Chicago’s financial district. Established by renowned commodity trader Andy Daniels in 1995, Daniels Trading was built on a culture of trust committed to a mission of Independence, Objectivity and Reliability.

Risk Disclosure

The StoneX Group Inc. group of companies provides financial services worldwide through its subsidiaries, including physical commodities, securities, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives, risk management, global payments and foreign exchange products in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdictions where services are provided. References to over-the-counter (“OTC”) products or swaps are made on behalf of StoneX Markets LLC (“SXM”), a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”) and provisionally registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a swap dealer. SXM’s products are designed only for individuals or firms who qualify under CFTC rules as an ‘Eligible Contract Participant’ (“ECP”) and who have been accepted as customers of SXM. StoneX Financial Inc. (“SFI”) is a member of FINRA/NFA/SIPC and registered with the MSRB. SFI does business as Daniels Trading/Top Third/Futures Online. SFI is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a Broker-Dealer and with the CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant and Commodity Trading Adviser. References to securities trading are made on behalf of the BD Division of SFI and are intended only for an audience of institutional clients as defined by FINRA Rule 4512(c). References to exchange-traded futures and options are made on behalf of the FCM Division of SFI.

Trading swaps and over-the-counter derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives and options and securities involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. The information herein is not a recommendation to trade nor investment research or an offer to buy or sell any derivative or security. It does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and does not create a binding obligation on any of the StoneX group of companies to enter into any transaction with you. You are advised to perform an independent investigation of any transaction to determine whether any transaction is suitable for you. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or redistributed without the prior written consent of StoneX Group Inc.

© 2023 StoneX Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Risk Disclosure

The StoneX Group Inc. group of companies provides financial services worldwide through its subsidiaries, including physical commodities, securities, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives, risk management, global payments and foreign exchange products in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdictions where services are provided. References to over-the-counter (“OTC”) products or swaps are made on behalf of StoneX Markets LLC (“SXM”), a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”) and provisionally registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a swap dealer. SXM’s products are designed only for individuals or firms who qualify under CFTC rules as an ‘Eligible Contract Participant’ (“ECP”) and who have been accepted as customers of SXM. StoneX Financial Inc. (“SFI”) is a member of FINRA/NFA/SIPC and registered with the MSRB. SFI does business as Daniels Trading/Top Third/Futures Online. SFI is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a Broker-Dealer and with the CFTC as a Futures Commission Merchant and Commodity Trading Adviser. References to securities trading are made on behalf of the BD Division of SFI and are intended only for an audience of institutional clients as defined by FINRA Rule 4512(c). References to exchange-traded futures and options are made on behalf of the FCM Division of SFI.

Trading swaps and over-the-counter derivatives, exchange-traded derivatives and options and securities involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. The information herein is not a recommendation to trade nor investment research or an offer to buy or sell any derivative or security. It does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs and does not create a binding obligation on any of the StoneX group of companies to enter into any transaction with you. You are advised to perform an independent investigation of any transaction to determine whether any transaction is suitable for you. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or redistributed without the prior written consent of StoneX Group Inc.

© 2023 StoneX Group Inc. All Rights Reserved

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