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Managing Market Volatility In 2023, Jay Parsons, John Hewlett, Jeff Tranel

Center for Agricultural Profitability

Current prices for agricultural commodities are strong. The average auction market price in early May for 500–600-pound steer calves in Nebraska was $264 per cwt. Heifer prices were $30 lower, at $234 per cwt. Elevator prices for corn in western Nebraska are in the high $6-per-bushel range. Wheat prices at the elevator are around $8 per bushel. Hay prices are $200 to $300 per ton if you can find it. Severe drought and world market volatilities over the last couple of years have pushed all of these markets higher. Growers and sellers of these commodities are anxious for harvest to …