Feedlot operators tap into their hard-earned instincts almost every minute of every day. Most also lean into data and information. When critical decisions need to be made, it can be difficult to choose the right lane. Should instinct or data guide the thinking, or is there an overlap? If they’re both valuable, how do producers find their appropriate balance?

The May Feed Outlook report shows U.S. feed grain production is projected to be lower than a year ago due to lower expected acreage in 2024-25. Although production is down, the supply of feed grain is projected to be above the 2023-24 level.

The April Feed Outlook report shows the 2023-24 U.S. corn ending stocks are reduced on higher domestic use. U.S. corn ending stocks are lower this month after upward adjustments for corn ethanol and feed and residual use.

The March Feed Outlook report shows the global 2023-24 corn stocks are reduced. Foreign corn production is lower this month, as it was last month, with the largest reductions for South Africa, Ukraine and Mexico.

The March World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed the 2023-24 U.S. corn outlook remains relatively unchanged compared to last month’s with only a 5-cent decrease in the season-average price to $4.75 per bushel.

The Cattle on Feed report released by the USDA-NASS on Feb. 23 showed that animals in feedlots bound for the slaughter market in the U.S. totaled 11.8 million head on Feb. 1, a slightly higher inventory than the same period in 2023.

The February World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed the 2023-24 U.S. corn outlook is for lower food, seed and industrial use and larger ending stocks.

The February Feed Outlook report showed the 2023-24 global coarse grain production is reduced. Supply is slightly lower at 442.6 million metric tons. However, reductions in total U.S. coarse grain use outweigh supply losses, lifting ending stocks.

Few times in history has the cattle industry offered more opportunity for profit to conscientious producers than right now. That was the primary message of CattleFax CEO Randy Blach’s executive summary at CattleFax’s Industry Outlook Seminar on Feb. 2. 

Idaho farmgate cash receipts and net farm income held near highs in 2023. Price changes varied greatly across commodities, but improved yields kept overall cash receipts elevated.