• Attend regular and special livestock auctions at sale barns to collect market information. In some instances, market information may be collected through online streaming of the auctions. • Establishes and/or maintains working relationships with market operators, livestock buyers, and sellers. • Evaluates cattle using specific USDA standards and guidelines for certification for Chicago Mercantile Exchange specifications. • Analyzes and compiles market information into written reports; uploads market information to USDA using USDA’s online platform. • Enters reports into official USDA database by computer. • Remains current in training with USDA on standards and data entry systems. • Compares current sale information to recent sales. • Summarizes market information into permanent records. • Releases daily, weekly, and any special reports. • Works in a collaborative manner with UDAF and USDA/AMS management in support of common goals. • Determining whether the projected number of cattle to be auctioned will be sufficient to generate reliable market news reports. Decisions made in consultation with USDA/Market News. • Determining and reporting on market trends observed using livestock quality and condition as the basis and using technical guides from USDA as reference. • Proper visual application of USDA standards to livestock.
