- Store brands reached all-time highs in both unit and dollar share during the first six months of 2024, compared to the same period a year ago, according to new Circana sales data provided to the Private Label Manufacturers Association. Unit market share was 22.9 percent and dollar market share were 20.4 percent, as of June 16. Store brand dollar sales were up 2.3 percent, versus a gain of 1.1 percent for national brands.
- At mid-year, cattle prices are at all-time record levels, reports Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University in Drovers. Fed steers averaged $195.81/ cwt., live basis, and 850-pound, Med/Large, No. 1 steers averaged $255.41/cwt. in Oklahoma auctions prior to July 4. Boning cull cows, average dressing, averaged $143.22/cwt. with high dressing Breaker cows averaging $ 154.41/ cwt. Steers calves are priced slightly below the March seasonal peak but averaged $324.53/cwt. before July 4 for 475-pound Med/Large, No. 1 steers, down from the $350.85/cwt.
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared a disaster emergency after an outbreak of avian flu was detected at a large commercial egg operation in Weld County on July 5. All 1.78 million chickens at the Weld County farm will have to be killed to prevent any further spread.