May 5, 2025

Ron Finklestien

“Cattle Reach New Heights on Monday”

Live Cattle Futures Surge Amid Strong Cash Market Trends

Live cattle futures extended their upward trajectory this week, with contracts climbing between $1.90 and $2.55 at the close. This increase follows continued buying activity driven by a robust cash market. Last week’s cash trade settled with a notable rise of $5-$6 across the nation. In the southern regions, trade was recorded at $218, while prices in the North reached as high as $222-$224.

Feeder Cattle Futures Show Gains

Feeder cattle futures also demonstrated positive movement on Monday, with increases ranging from $1 to $2 across most contracts. The CME Feeder Cattle Index reported a decrease of 2.98 on May 2, bringing the average price to $293.40. In addition, the weekly Oklahoma City (OKC) feeder cattle auction anticipated approximately 4,200 head for sale that day, with heavier steers recorded as $2-$7 higher and lighter feeders under 850 lbs increasing by $5-$10. Meanwhile, heifer prices remained steady to $5 higher.

Wholesale Boxed Beef Prices Rise

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicated that National Wholesale Boxed Beef prices strengthened on Monday, reporting a Chc/Sel spread of $15.50. Choice boxed beef prices increased by 67 cents to $343.57, while Select boxes rose by $2.72 to $328.07 per hundred pounds. The USDA’s estimate for federally inspected cattle slaughter on Monday stood at 109,000 head, which is 5,000 head above the prior week but down by 8,796 head compared to the same week last year.

Current Futures Prices

For specific contract prices, the following were recorded:

  • June 25 Live Cattle closed at $213.650, up $2.550
  • August 25 Live Cattle closed at $209.075, up $2.300
  • October 25 Live Cattle closed at $206.400, up $1.925
  • May 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $296.075, up $1.125
  • August 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $298.900, up $2.000
  • September 25 Feeder Cattle closed at $297.550, up $2.000

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not hold (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.

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