“`html
Live cattle futures dropped between $2.35 and $2.65 across the front months on Wednesday, with preliminary open interest showing an increase of only 388 contracts. Southern cash sales were reported at $239, while the Fed Cattle Exchange auction offered 1,250 head with no sales, and bids ranged from $230 to $235. Feeder cattle futures also decreased, closing down $3.30 to $5.30.
The USDA is set to release its Cattle on Feed report on Friday, with August placements anticipated to be down 9% from last year. As of September 1, on-feed data is estimated to be down 0.9% compared to 2024. USDA wholesale boxed beef prices fell again, with Choice boxes decreasing by $4.44 to $388.18 and Select boxes down by $6.80 to $366.37. Federally inspected cattle slaughter for Wednesday was estimated at 120,000 head, bringing this week’s total to 351,000—an increase of 9,000 head from last week but down 20,957 head compared to the same week in 2024.
Closing prices for Live Cattle on October 25 were $231.10 (down $2.35), December 25 at $232.675 (down $2.475), and February 26 at $234.350 (down $2.650). Feeder Cattle closed at $355.025 (down $3.300), $349.125 (down $5.175), and $344.125 (down $5.275).
“`
