Raw materials


head. Cattle placements by weight included: 585,000 head weighing less than 600lbs, 480,000 head between 600-699lbs, 490,000 head between 700-799lbs, 436,000 head between 800-899lbs, 215,000 head between 900- 999lbs, and 80,000 head weighing 1,000lbs or more. Marketings of fed cattle in October totalled 1.85 million head, also 5% higher than the previous year. Other disappearance for October was 55,000 head, unchanged from the same month in 2023. These figures reflect continued growth in the cattle and beef industry.


Hide market


The hide market remained relatively steady over the period, with some firmness observed in specific steer selections, such as Native and Butt Branded hides. However, overall activity was quiet, with most contracts secured through January limiting significant price shifts. Sellers have been facing ongoing challenges, particularly with low bids and price pressures, driven by a stronger US dollar. Additionally, concerns about China’s declining drop split market have added further uncertainty. Despite these pressures, many sellers have remained firm on their prices, unwilling to accept lower bids. As anticipated, the market has continued to show stability, particularly for specific steer types like Butt Branded Steers and Heavy Native Steers. However, demand has been inconsistent across different sectors. While raw hide sales gained some momentum, wet blue sales faced significant declines, signalling uneven demand. Buyer resistance remained high, especially as the strength of the US dollar and reduced split credits continued to put pressure on prices. There was some hope for pre- holiday purchasing, particularly from Chinese tanners preparing for the Chinese New Year, but this impact remains uncertain. Recent market conditions have reflected many of the challenges forecasted, including steady prices and buyer resistance. Sales volumes for both hides and wet blue remain constrained, with few major price shifts observed. Reports indicate that slaughter levels have not kept pace with sales, making it difficult to match supply with demand. Even with this tight balance, trading volumes were slow, and prices were steady within a narrow range. The upcoming period will likely reveal whether Chinese New Year purchasing activity provided a boost or whether further price adjustments will be necessary.


In addition to these market pressures, global events have contributed to the cautious outlook. Issues such as a strike by Indian port workers, concerns over drought conditions in the US, and disruptions in shipping logistics due to extreme weather events like Typhoon Kong-rey all influenced supply chains. On the trade front, the US halting cattle imports from Mexico due to the discovery of New World screwworm raised concerns over potential impacts on beef production and prices. These events underscore the complex and interconnected nature of the hide market, requiring ongoing adaptability from industry participants. ●


Leather International / www.leathermag.com


Colorado steers 60 –


50 – 40 – 30 – 20 – 10 – 0


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Dairy cows 45 –


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15 –


5 – 0


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Heavy native heifers 50 –


40 –


2022 2023 2024 2025


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10 – 0


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Heavy native cows 40 –


30 –


2022 2023 2024 2025


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