Live cattle futures rallied another 45 to 85 cents higher on Friday to extend the week’s strength that saw a $2.25 gain for February. Cash trade was slow last week, with sales reported at $192-193 in the South, up $1-2, and $196 in the North, $1 higher. Friday morning’s Fed Cattle Exchange online auction from Central Stockyards showed sales on 3 lots, with 2 sold at $192 live and one at $192.50 using the BidTheGrid™ method. Feeder cattle futures closed out the Friday session with contracts up 45 cents to $2.07. January rallied $5.77 on the week. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was down $2.55 from the day prior at $258.38 on December 26.
Export Sales data showed a total of 1,099 MT for 2024 delivery, with 13,066 MT 2025 shipment. Combined sales were up 22.29% at 14,165 MT in the week of 12/19. Shipments totaled 16,533 MT in that week, a 12-week high. South Korea was the top destination of 4,500 MT, with 3,400 MT to Japan and 3,000 MT to China
USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher in the Friday afternoon report. Choice boxes were up $1.99 at $322.38/cwt and Select $2.36 higher @ $291.13. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter at 434,000 head last week through Saturday. That is down 66,521 head from the same week last year.
Dec 24 Live Cattle closed at $193.500, up $0.725,
Feb 25 Live Cattle closed at $190.650, up $0.550,
Apr 25 Live Cattle closed at $193.350, up $0.750,
Jan 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $261.375, up $2.075,
Mar 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $260.550, up $1.050,
Apr 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $261.050, up $1.025,
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. More news from Barchart- Are Cattle Prices Heading for Record Highs in 2025?
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