“Shootin’ The Bull”

by Christopher B Swift

​8/14/2025

Live Cattle:

With more information that Secretary Rollins will make an announcement on Friday, in Texas, about the New World screw worm, what she says will make all the difference in the world between what is taking place today, versus what could be an increase of instant inventory made available to cattle feeders.  While I have no idea as to what she will say concerning a time line, anything stated about an increase, or strengthening of the protocols to open the border, would lead me to believe the border would be open sooner than later. Until this announcement is made, there is no telling what may be said or market action taken.  All recommendations stand with adjustments to be made depending upon what is stated about the reopening of the border.    

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Feeder Cattle:

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The challenge of getting ahead of the curve video.

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Where things could get a little dicey would be that long about Christmas there is a stream of cattle starting flow across that will make spring placements more abundant, at a time when heifers held back this spring will be dropping calves.  This has the potential to increase cattle supplies going into the 4th quarter of '26.  At Wednesday's contract high of August '26 feeder cattle, I commented out loud that this may be the highest price ever to have been able to be achieved when August of '26 is here.  Note that when September comes on the board, I think it more possible than not, it will be at, or very near what will be the contract high.  All recommendations stand to do whatever is needed to allow someone to assume a large portion of your risk.  This is a sales solicitation.   

​Corn:

​Corn shook off another lower trade today to close plus on the day.  Everything else was soft with front end beans lower. 

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Energy:​

Energy was higher in crude and gasoline.  Today's price action merely keeps energy in the betwixt and between of a trend.  

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Bonds:

​Bonds were lower after the PPI printed higher.  Stagflation continues to hamper government reports, but inflation is still noted by consumers on a daily basis.  Especially fast food and casual dining. That is nothing in comparison to a HVAC or plumbing call, if you can get one to show up.  Insurances on everything remains elevated as well.  Like crude, today's price action keeps the price betwixt and between trends.     ​

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 “This is intended to be or is in the nature of a solicitation.”  Futures trading is not for everyone. The risk of loss in trading futures can be substantial; therefore, carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and there is no assurance that your trading experience will be similar to the past performance.