On Friday, live cattle futures increased by $3.15 to $4, with cash trade recorded at $230-233 in the North and $223-225 in the South. The Central Stockyards Fed Cattle Exchange reported sales between $224-225. Feeder cattle futures also saw gains, rising by $4 to $4.35, with the CME Feeder Cattle Index up 79 cents to $311.39.
National Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher, with Choice boxes up $1.14 to $396.19 and Select boxes increasing by $2.52 to $382.26/cwt. The USDA estimated Thursday’s federally inspected cattle slaughter at 105,000 head, bringing the week-to-date total to 452,000 head, which is 1,000 head above last week but 22,819 head below the same period last year.
