Live cattle futures closed with mixed action on Monday, as December was up 57 cents and other contracts facing losses. Cash trade was slow last week, with sales reported at $192-193 in the South, up $1-2, and $196-197 in the North, $1-2 higher. Nothing has been reported so far this week. Feeder cattle futures were up 20 to 50 cents at the Monday close. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was down $4.35 from the day prior at $253.97 on December 27. The market will be closed on Wednesday for New Years Day.
Weekly CFTC data was delayed due to last week’s holiday, with specs trimming their net long position by 5,779 contracts to 128,569 contracts as of 12/24.
USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher in the Monday afternoon report. Choice boxes were up $2.99 at $325.37/cwt and Select $3.63 higher @ $294.76. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter at 123,000 head on Monday. That is up 5,000 head from last Monday.
Dec 24 Live Cattle closed at $194.075, up $0.575,
Feb 25 Live Cattle closed at $190.300, down $0.350,
Apr 25 Live Cattle closed at $193.025, down $0.325,
Jan 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $261.625, up $0.250,
Mar 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $261.050, up $0.500,
Apr 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $261.275, up $0.225,
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. More news from Barchart- Are Cattle Prices Heading for Record Highs in 2025?
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