On Thursday, live cattle futures increased by 55 cents to $1.05, with cash trade centered around $246 per hundredweight across the U.S. The Fed Cattle Exchange reported sales between $246 and $247 for 334 of the 1,226 head offered. Meanwhile, feeder cattle futures rose 50 to 95 cents, and the CME Feeder Cattle Index decreased by 93 cents to $373.44 as of April 21.
The USDA reported beef export sales at 15,131 metric tons for the week ending April 16, with shipments totaling 12,450 metric tons. In the wholesale market, Choice boxed beef prices fell by $0.78 to $384.97, while Select decreased by $1.65 to $381.68. Additionally, USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter at 111,000 head on Wednesday, bringing the week-to-date total to 319,000 head — 6,000 head lower than last week and 26,373 head below the same week last year.
