Live cattle futures are trading with gains of a nickel to 25 cents at Friday’s midday. Cash trade has yet to begin this week, with bids of $190-191 reported so far. 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 are up 45 cents to 25 cents lower in the front months on Friday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was down $2.28 from the day prior at $260.77 on December 25.
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.
USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher in the Thursday afternoon report. Choice boxes were up 95 cents to $321.34/cwt and Select $3.60 higher @ $292.37. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter at 119,000 head on Thursday, taking the weekly total to 275,000 head. That is down 66,506 head from the same week last year.
Dec 24 Live Cattle are at $192.950, up $0.175,
Feb 25 Live Cattle are at $190.150, up $0.050,
Apr 25 Live Cattle are at $192.850, up $0.250,
Jan 25 Feeder Cattle are at $259.750, up $0.450
Mar 25 Feeder Cattle are at $259.300, down $0.200
Apr 25 Feeder Cattle are at $259.775, down $0.250
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 BarchartThe views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
