Examining the cattle price cycle and basis calculations can be beneficial for decision making within many types of cattle operations. Basis tables can help producers determine net prices when using either futures contracts or options. By looking at the seasonal highs and lows, and trends for the price cycles, one can determine the best times to market cattle.
2014 Cattle Cycle Book
Basis Estimates, Monthly Average Prices and Slaughter Facility Information
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Dan Childs serves as a senior agricultural economics consultant at Noble Research Institute. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University, he served in the United States Army by working in the Pentagon. Before joining Noble in 1978, he spent time with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Oklahoma State University Extension service. He and his wife own and operate a small stocker operation.
Steve Swigert
Agricultural Economics Consultant (Retired)
