Cattle Prices Dip as May Draws to a Close

Published On: May 30, 2025 10:09 pm

Live Cattle Futures Show Mixed Trades Amid Price Adjustments

Live cattle futures experienced mixed trading, with contracts falling 50 to 75 cents in the near months. June prices dropped by 32 cents this week. In cash markets, sales ranged from $221 to $223 in the South, while the North saw prices between $234 and $237. Feeder cattle futures declined by $1.07 to $1.20 on Friday, with August futures down $1.55 for the week. The CME Feeder Cattle Index increased by $1.55 on May 29, averaging $299.30.

According to USDA Export Sales data, 14,695 metric tons (MT) of beef were sold for the week ending May 22, marking a six-week high. Japan was the largest buyer, purchasing 4,200 MT, followed by South Korea at 3,100 MT. Export shipments fell to 12,644 MT, with Japan and South Korea each buying 4,000 MT.

The Commitment of Traders report, released Friday afternoon, revealed that speculative traders reduced their net long positions in live cattle futures and options by 1,271 contracts to 131,293 as of last Tuesday. In feeder cattle futures and options, managed money cut 714 contracts from their long positions, bringing the total to 33,258 contracts by May 27.

USDA’s National Wholesale Boxed Beef report indicated higher prices on Friday, with the Chc/Sel spread at $9.69. Choice boxed beef increased by 25 cents to $366.34, while Select was up $3.01 to $356.65 per hundredweight. The USDA reported a federally inspected cattle slaughter of 477,000 head this week, down 61,910 head compared to the same holiday week last year.

Jun 25 Live Cattle closed at $215.475, down $0.050.

Aug 25 Live Cattle closed at $209.350, down $0.725.

Oct 25 Live Cattle closed at $207.400, down $0.750.

Aug 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $298.825, down $1.100.

Sep 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $297.700, down $1.150.

Oct 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $295.700, down $1.075.

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article are solely for informational purposes. For more information, please view 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.