Beef, Veal and Lamb News for 3-11-10

Beef production last week declined 2.4% and was basically even with the same week in 2009. Beef packers could continue to slow beef output unless cattle prices decline or beef prices increase soon. Recent beef shipment data would suggest that cattle price declines may be coming but the weather is warming across the country which is usually bullish for middle meat beef sales. The USDA choice boxed beef cutout typically moves downward during the next few weeks before turning upward in April. The imported 90% beef trim market has climbed to its highest level since the fall of 2008.