Live Cattle Futures See Strong Gains Amid Market Activity

Live cattle futures are making a comeback on Friday, with contracts rising between 85 cents and $1.32. Cash trading began on Thursday, reporting Southern sales in the range of $218-220, remaining steady, while Northern sales reached $229. Meanwhile, feeder cattle futures reflect increases ranging from $1.20 to $2.20 at midday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index decreased by 24 cents on May 14, with the average standing at $302.17.

Beef Market Insights

The USDA’s National Wholesale Boxed Beef report released Friday morning indicates a market uptrend, with the Chc/Sel spread narrowing to $10.04. Choice boxes reported a rise of $3.18, bringing the price to $353.08, while Select boxes increased by $3.86, setting the price at $343.04 per hundred pounds. In terms of cattle slaughter, USDA estimates for Thursday show a total of 120,000 head were processed, contributing to a weekly total of 459,000 head. This is down 10,000 head from the previous week and shows a decline of 26,449 head compared to the same week last year.

Current Futures Pricing

Jun 25 Live Cattle: $212.325, up $1.150

Aug 25 Live Cattle: $206.700, up $0.850

Oct 25 Live Cattle: $204.000, up $1.325

May 25 Feeder Cattle: $297.375, up $1.200

Aug 25 Feeder Cattle: $298.025, up $2.200

Sep 25 Feeder Cattle: $296.575, up $1.950

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not hold (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All provided information and data is for informational purposes only. For more details, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

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