Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was undeveloped through Tuesday afternoon, but futures prices and a few trades in the western Corn Belt hint at steady to softer prices.
Although too few to trend, there were a few live sales in the western Corn Belt at $126-$128/cwt., and a few in the beef at $204-$205.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.14 lower (47¢ lower in the back contract to $2.35 lower in spot Apr). Trade volume was the heaviest since the first part of January.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.19 lower.
Bears, no doubt, will likely make the case that the decline in Cattle futures signals the seasonal top is in the books.
Corn futures closed 3¢ to 5¢ higher.
Soybean futures closed 6¢ to 7¢ higher.
Wholesale beef values were firm to higher on moderate to fairly good demand and light offerings, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 86¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $228.22/cwt. Select was 72¢ higher at $220.35.
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