Live cattle futures saw mixed trade on Thursday with front months steady to 32.5 cents lower and back months higher. There were 40 delivery notices against Feb on Wednesday night. Feeder cattle futures were steady to 50 cents higher. The CME feeder cattle index was up 28 cents on February 6 at $141.81. Wholesale boxed beef prices were lower on Thursday afternoon. Choice boxes were down 86 cents at $216.71 with Select 74 cents lower at $211.53. Week to date USDA estimated FI cattle slaughter is 470,000 head through Thursday. That is up 7,000 head from last week and the same week last year. Carcass weights have been running light due to poor pen conditions. Cash bids have been light this week with a few starting out at $121 in the South and $196 in the North. We saw limited sales of $124+ on yesterday’s FCE auction.
Feb 19 Cattle closed at $126.300, down $0.100, |
Apr 19 Cattle closed at $126.825, down $0.325, |
Jun 19 Cattle closed at $117.150, down $0.075, |
Mar 19 Feeder Cattle closed at $143.250, up $0.075 |
Apr 19 Feeder Cattle closed at $144.875, up $0.025 |
May 19 Feeder Cattle closed at $145.900, up $0.375 |
--provided by Brugler Marketing & Management
