Harding Hall 202
Economics-Box 2220
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007
Matthew provides analysis and insights for producers and agribusinesses as they understand and implement commodity marketing and insurance tools. He serves on the technical advisory committee of the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) and participates on the NCCC-134 regional committee.
Recent values reported by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service indicate another increase in the value of cattle production at the state level for the year. The high price levels are also strong incentives to deliver pounds and calves to the market.
Drought remains a recurring challenge for South Dakota livestock and forage producers. Annual Forage Rainfall Index insurance is one tool that may help reduce the financial risk associated with below-average precipitation.
Effective marketing and risk management techniques rely on benchmarks. Basis, the difference between a cash price and a futures price, is one such benchmark for those in the cattle industry.
