Markwright - 7/26/2013 20:33 ago are the last 2 cof reports. notice the increases in heavier weight feeders placed as compared to last year. notice the decrease in light cattle placed. ( less cows, more natural feed for yearlings, less calves, etc ) the heavier feeders come out in the 4rth quarter. usually the 4rth quarter has been an excellent market. Total tonnage will likely stay at relatively current levels with fewer total cattle harvested ( that has been the trend for over 1 year ). The market depends a lot on exports ( beef is basically an "aggregated currency" dependent market ). Would imagine exports start ticking up now and especially by year end. ( eu economy ticks up, Japan econ etc ) eu will likely be buying a fair amount of beef by year end ( big buyer of natural hormone frees ). they have been pretty much out of the market the past 1.5 years due to econ reasons.