calculating feeder cattle futures contract

The cattle and beef industry is an inherently risky business. This is a massive figure and one that is worth upwards of $7 billion to producers and marketers. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) suggest that aggregate beef exports exceed 1.25 million metric tons. In the U.S., the cultivation and exportation of beef is big business. When an ideal weight is reached, around 1,200 pounds, the cattle are prepared for slaughter. To boost weight gain, the calves are transitioned from a grass-based to a grain-dominated feed.

At the feedlot, the calves are vaccinated, tagged, and fed specialized diets. Feeder cattle: Once calves mature to around eight months of age, they are weaned from their mothers and sent to feedlots.This timing aims to take advantage of beneficial weather patterns and optimal grazing conditions. Live cattle: Until new calves reach a designated weight between 600-800 pounds, they are considered to be “live cattle.” Live cattle are typically bred in the summer, with calving season in the spring.Here’s a quick look at the underlying asset of each: The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) lists two cattle-specific contracts. When it comes to trading cattle futures, there are several key distinctions to be aware of. Given this exceedingly large industrial footprint, cattle futures are attractive instruments for speculators and hedgers alike. Department of Agriculture, in 2018, cattle sales accounted for $67.1 billion in revenue and 18 percent of the total American ag market.

Calculating feeder cattle futures contract