Cattle Fade into the Close, as Feeders Hold on for Gains

Live cattle futures were 17 to 92 cents lower on Monday. December expires on Wednesday. Cash trade last week was reported at $229-230. Feeder cattle futures slopped into the close, but still managed to close with gains of 82 cents to $1.25. CME’s Feeder Cattle Index was back up $6.68 to $356.00 on December 26. 

USDA Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were mixed in the Monday PM report, with the Chc/Sel spread narrowing to $3.71. Choice boxes were down $1.88 to $349.33, while Select was $1.82 higher at $345.62. Monday’s USDA federally inspected cattle slaughter was estimated at 118,000 head. That was 3,000 head below the week prior and 4,091 head shy of the same week last year. 

Dec 25 Live Cattle  closed at $228.900, down $0.925,

Feb 26 Live Cattle  closed at $228.975, down $0.675,

Apr 26 Live Cattle  closed at $229.525, down $0.175,

Jan 26 Feeder Cattle  closed at $347.000, up $0.825,

Mar 26 Feeder Cattle  closed at $341.675, up $1.250,

Apr 26 Feeder Cattle  closed at $340.425, up $1.225,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.