Live cattle futures were down a tick to 95 cents, with some contracts up 7 cents to a dime. Cash trade has yet to begin this week, with last week showing steady trade, at $195-195.50 in the North and $191 in the South. Feeder cattle futures were mostly a tick to $1 higher on the session. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was up 85 cents from the day prior at $263.00 on December 20. The markets will close early this afternoon, with a day off on Wednesday.
Beef stocks at the end of November were reported at 440.5 million lbs, which was down 3.69% from last year and 1.8% above October per the seasonal shift. It was the tightest beef stocks for November since 2014.
USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher in the Monday afternoon report. Choice boxes were up 13 cents to $315.98/cwt, with Select 84 cents higher @ $286.75. USDA estimated Monday’s federally inspected cattle slaughter at 118,000 head. That is even with last Monday, but well above the same (Christmas) Monday from last year.
Dec 24 Live Cattle closed at $190.975, down $0.350,
Feb 25 Live Cattle closed at $187.450, down $0.950,
Apr 25 Live Cattle closed at $189.700, down $0.425,
Jan 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $256.600, up $1.000,
Mar 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $256.000, up $0.175,
Apr 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $256.775, up $0.025,
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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