11.22.2024
Biodiesel margins rise, but window of opportunity limited
Biodiesel margins continued to rise during the week to Friday November 22. The bean oil/heating oil (BOHO) spread boosted margins by falling to its lowest level since August 27.
The Jacobsen Hide Index on Friday closed at $14.05 compared to $14.31 Friday the week prior. Big packer steer quotes included HNS from $23.50, BBS from $19.50 to $20, BS at $13, and CBS at $15.50 and HTS at $15 FOB plant.
The Week’s Slaughter Forecast
The Jacobsen slaughter forecast for this week is 655,000 head, and if realized, will be 13,300 head less the same week last year when it was 668,300.
Cattle slaughter finished last week 658,000 head, down 2 percent from a year ago and up 3 percent relative to the week prior. Slaughter is forecast to rebound this month after the lower numbers in April and May. Over the next six weeks, slaughter is forecast at an average of 640,000 head, up an average of 16 percent from the prior six weeks and down 1 percent compared…