Rethinking basis behavior in a high-price cattle market
- ZISK
- Jun 23
- 1 min read
When we reach either extreme of the cattle cycle, it changes how we interpret and forecast price relationships. One challenge is understanding relative prices for cattle in different weight classes and basis, particularly when traditional models rely on historical averages. This article focuses on the role of the cattle cycle, the changing relationship between calf and feeder cattle prices, and the implications for basis.
Figure 1 shows the annual average ratio of Arkansas calf to feeder cattle prices with national January 1 cattle inventories. Tight calf supplies following herd contraction raise the relative value of calves, shown by an increase in the price ratio. This shift in price relationships not only implies margins, but it also impacts how we interpret and predict basis patterns.
By: James Mitchell, University of Arkansas
June 20, 2025
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