**Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Futures Surge Amid Cash Market Rally**
Live cattle futures increased significantly, with February contracts rising by $6.35 this week to close at $236.00, while feeder cattle futures also saw substantial gains, up $5.85 to a closing price of $356.10. The cash market experienced heightened activity, with prices settling at $232 nationally, an increase of $2 to $3 from the previous week. The CME Feeder Cattle Index rose by $1.57 to $350.22 as of January 1.
Additionally, USDA reported an increase in federally inspected cattle slaughter, estimating 474,000 head for the week, which is 48,000 more than last week but 30,893 below the same period last year. Wholesale Boxed Beef prices also climbed, with Choice boxes up to $349.97 and Select boxes up to $346.92, reflecting growing demand in the market.
