Live cattle futures fell by 45 to 90 cents at midday on April 16, while feeder cattle futures showed gains between $2.50 and $4.15. Cash trade activity remained quiet for the week, with previous transactions ranging from $246 to $250 in different regions. The Fed Cattle Exchange online auction on Thursday morning did not result in any sales for the 1,222 head offered, with bids reported between $246 and $248.
This update is important for producers and traders who monitor market fluctuations closely. The movement in both live and feeder cattle prices reflects ongoing trends that can impact decision-making throughout the livestock industry.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index increased by $1.08 to reach $375.02 as of April 13. Meanwhile, a Tuesday report from APHIS indicated there were 54 active cases of new world screwworm in Tamaulipas, Mexico as of April 12, along with three active cases in Nuevo Leon.
Wholesale Boxed Beef prices declined according to Wednesday morning’s report; Choice boxes dropped by $1.18 to reach $382.02 while Select boxes decreased by 57 cents to stand at $379.23, resulting in a Chc/Sel spread of $2.79.
USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter at 112,000 head for Tuesday, bringing the weekly total so far to 216,000 after a revision was made for Monday’s numbers—an increase of about 5,000 head compared to last week but still down more than 17,500 head from this time last year.
On April contracts: Apr ’26 Live Cattle stood at $252.100 (down $.450), Jun ’26 Live Cattle at $250.550 (down $.875), Aug ’26 Live Cattle at $245.725 (down $.800). For feeders: Apr ’26 Feeder Cattle closed at $373.200 (down $2.675), May ’26 Feeder Cattle finished at $370.700 (down$4.150), and Aug ’26 Feeder Cattle ended at$371 .925(down$3 .900).
Austin Schroeder said he did not have any positions in the securities mentioned when this article was published.
