On August 25, live cattle futures increased by $1.15 to $2.20 across most contracts, with cash trade showing live prices at $245 and northern dressed at $385. The Fed Cattle Exchange reported that 80 out of 1,264 heads sold at $245 in Iowa and Colorado, while South bids reached $235. Feeder cattle futures rose by $3.60 to $4.25 ahead of the Cattle on Feed report.
The USDA will release Cattle on Feed data, expected to show July placements down 8.9% and marketings down 5.9% year-over-year. The August 1 on-feed inventory is estimated to be 2% lower.
The USDA reported that wholesale boxed beef prices were mixed, with Choice down 99 cents at $406.87 and Select up 25 cents at $383.85. Estimated cattle slaughter for Thursday was 116,000 heads, totaling 450,000 for the week, which is 4,000 more than last week but 33,733 lower than the same week in 2024.
