Negotiated cash fed cattle prices end up sharply higher in late trade last week: $4 higher at $123/cwt. in the Southern Plains and Nebraska; $1-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $119-$121. Dressed sales were $5 higher in Nebraska at $195; steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $190-$195.
Recently higher cash fed cattle prices and continued firmness in wholesale beef values continue to support Cattle futures. They were pressured on Wednesday by likely profit taking; added pressure for Feeder Cattle early from stronger grain prices.
Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed (from an average of 29¢ lower to an average of 22¢ higher), with a sharp increase in open interest.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 71¢ lower through the front four contracts, but well off of session lows, erasing Monday’s gains. They were 7¢ lower to 2¢ higher across the back half of the board.
Corn futures closed fractionally higher to 2¢ higher.
Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 12¢ higher through Sep ‘19 and then mostly 6¢ to 9¢ higher.
Wholesale beef values were higher on Choice and steady on Select with moderate to fairly good demand and light offerings, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.29 higher Wednesday afternoon at $216.64/cwt. Select was 25¢ higher at $210.91.
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