Live Cattle Futures React Amid Declining Cash Trade

Market Update: Livestock Prices Shift as Slaughter Rates Decline

On Friday, live cattle futures rallied, gaining between a nickel and 77 cents across the nearby contracts. Meanwhile, cash trade has started to emerge at $208 in the North, reflecting a decrease of $2 to $4 from the previous week. Southern sales reported a slight dip as well, with prices settling at $206, down by $2 from last week.

Feeder cattle futures also showed positive movement, recording boosts of 25 to 80 cents. However, the CME Feeder Cattle Index fell by $1.39 from the previous day, landing at $277.64 as of February 5.

In the USDA’s Friday AM report, wholesale Boxed Beef prices experienced a decline. The Chc/Sel spread stood at $7.73. Choice boxes dropped by another $1.72 to $323.98 per cwt, while Select boxes were down 24 cents to $314.53. For Thursday, the USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter at 118,000 head, bringing the week-to-date total to 476,000 head. This figure represents a decrease of 8,000 head compared to last week and down by 20,639 head from the same week last year.

Feb 25 Live Cattle are priced at $200.675, which is up $0.050.

Apr 25 Live Cattle are trading at $197.350, marking an increase of $0.575.

Jun 25 Live Cattle are at $192.600, up by $0.775.

Mar 25 Feeder Cattle are recorded at $265.575, increasing by $0.275.

Apr 25 Feeder Cattle are at $265.525, which is up $0.525.

May 25 Feeder Cattle prices are at $264.500, showing a gain of $0.800.

At the time of publication, Austin Schroeder did not hold (either directly or indirectly) positions in any securities cited in this article. All information and data provided herein are for informational purposes only. For further details, please refer to the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

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