359: The Dirty Secret About Who Really Controls the Cattle Market… Packers Exposed

On today's episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by cattle market analyst John Campbell for one of the most eye-opening conversations yet about who really controls today's cattle market. John breaks down Alternative Marketing Agreements (AMAs), how fed cattle are priced, why negotiated cash trade continues to shrink, and what many producers don't realize about Certified Angus Beef premiums. Drawing from his own recent feedyard closeouts, he explains how plant averages, carcass grids, and packer leverage impact producer profitability. The conversation also explores why so many feedyards participate in AMAs despite the frustrations, how market concentration has changed the industry, and what could happen if cattle numbers eventually begin to rebuild.LinksCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5mCattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter -https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media -https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren's Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren's YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website -https://www.thenextgenag.com/Key TakeawaysHow Alternative Marketing Agreements (AMAs) actually workWhy many producers never receive the premiums their cattle earnThe truth behind Certified Angus Beef qualificationsHow plant averages determine premiums and discountsWhy negotiated cash trade has become such a small percentage of the marketHow packers have gained significant leverage over fed cattle pricingWhy many feedyards feel they have no alternative but to participate in AMAsThe risks producers face if cattle supplies eventually rebuildWhy market concentration continues to be one of the biggest issues facing the cattle industry todayWhat producers need to understand before marketing finished cattleChapters00:00 John returns to the podcast03:10 Current fed cattle and feeder cattle market update06:45 What is an Alternative Marketing Agreement (AMA)?10:15 The truth about Certified Angus Beef premiums15:45 How packers calculate premiums and discounts21:00 Why negotiated cash trade keeps shrinking26:30 Why producers still participate in AMAs31:40 Could today's cattle market structure survive herd rebuilding?37:15 Final thoughts on the future of cattle marketingAlternative Marketing Agreements, AMA cattle, cattle markets, fed cattle, feeder cattle, cattle pricing, packers, beef packers, negotiated cash trade, Certified Angus Beef, CAB premiums, cattle grids, carcass premiums, carcass pricing, cattle industry, beef industry, cattle marketing, fed cattle pricing, livestock markets, ranching, cattle producers, beef production, feedlots, independent cattle producers, cattle economics, John Campbell, CattleUSA Podcast, agriculture podcast