G77-374 Seasonal Prices for Meat Animals

Seasonal variations in livestock prices seem to follow a similar pattern from year to year. For some classes of livestock, these seasonal swings in prices have been quite consistent for a number of years; while others have changed considerably over time. Seasonal price fluctuations result mostly from seasonal supply changes or variations in marketings. For any given year a cyclical change in price may override the season pattern. Seasonal price changes during the 1972-76 period also were influenced by a price freeze, as well as changes in supply and demand. Seasonal price changes are important factors to consider in planning or making adjustments in the management of a livestock production program or in developing marketing strategies