Live Cattle Futures Show Gains Amid Steady Market Activity
Current Trends and Auction Insights Illuminate Cattle Commerce
Live cattle futures are experiencing gains today, ranging from a nickel to 25 cents as of midday Friday. Cash trading has not yet commenced this week, but bids between $190 and $191 have been reported. In the Friday morning Fed Cattle Exchange online auction by Central Stockyards, three lots were sold; two at $192 live and one at $192.50 utilizing the BidTheGrid™ method. Meanwhile, feeder cattle futures rose by 45 cents, while some front-month contracts fell by 25 cents. The CME Feeder Cattle Index decreased by $2.28 from the previous day, settling at $260.77 on December 25.
Recent export sales data revealed a total of 1,099 metric tons (MT) for delivery in 2024, along with a notable 13,066 MT designated for 2025. Combined sales saw an increase of 22.29%, totaling 14,165 MT for the week ending December 19. Shipments during this period reached 16,533 MT, marking a peak not seen in 12 weeks.
The USDA’s Thursday afternoon report indicated a rise in wholesale boxed beef prices. Choice boxes increased by 95 cents, reaching $321.34 per hundredweight (cwt), while Select boxes rose by $3.60 to $292.37. Additionally, the USDA estimated that federally inspected cattle slaughter reached 119,000 head on Thursday, bringing the weekly total to 275,000 head. This figure represents a significant decline of 66,506 head compared to the same week last year.
Dec 24 Live Cattle are priced at $192.950, a gain of $0.175.
Feb 25 Live Cattle stand at $190.150, up by $0.050.
Apr 25 Live Cattle are at $192.850, an increase of $0.250.
Jan 25 Feeder Cattle are currently priced at $259.750, up by $0.450.
Mar 25 Feeder Cattle are at $259.300, down by $0.200.
Apr 25 Feeder Cattle are at $259.775, down $0.250.
On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not hold any direct or indirect positions in the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data herein is provided solely for informational purposes. For further details, please refer to the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
