Live cattle futures increased by $1.95 to $2.80 in most contracts on Tuesday, with last week’s cash trade reported at $246-249 in the South and some northern trades near $249-250. Cleanup trade on Monday saw prices at $248 in Kansas. Feeder cattle futures also rose, with front months up by $1.45 to $2.40.
The movement in cattle markets is significant for agricultural producers who rely on these price trends for planning and profitability. The CME Feeder Cattle Index climbed by $7.27 to reach $373.94 as of April 10, reflecting broader strength in the sector.
At the Oklahoma City feeder cattle auction held Monday, sales covered 4,859 head of cattle, with steers steady to up by as much as $5 and heifers rising between $10-$15; calves were steady or gained up to $25 compared to previous levels.
Wholesale Boxed Beef prices showed mixed results Tuesday morning: Choice boxes rose by $2.86 to hit $384.78 while Select fell by 56 cents to settle at $383.08, maintaining a Choice premium of $1.70 over Select grades.
USDA estimates put federally inspected cattle slaughter at 107,000 head for Monday—an increase of 9,000 from last week but still down by more than 5,500 compared with the same period last year.
April live cattle settled at $252.625 (up $1.975), June live cattle reached $251.325 (up $2.800), August live cattle stood at $246.625 (up $2.175). For feeders: April closed at $375.950 (up$1.475), May ended at$374 .750(up$1 .925) ,and August was$375 .700(up$2 .375).
Austin Schroeder said he did not have any positions in the securities mentioned in this article during its publication date: “All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes.” He directed readers seeking further details to view the Barchart Disclosure Policy.
