Through Friday afternoon, negotiated cash fed cattle prices for the week were $4-$5 less on a live basis at $115/cwt. in the Southern Plains and Nebraska. Dressed trade was $3-$5 less in Nebraska at $185-$187 and mostly $7 lower in the western Corn Belt at mainly $183.
Through Thursday, the average five-area direct steer price was $115.07/cwt. on a live basis, which was $4.70 less than a week earlier. The average dressed steer price of $185.45 was $4.65lower.
Cattle futures took another strong step lower Friday, with ongoing pressure in outside markets from novel coronavirus fears, as well as week-end and month-end position squaring.
Other than 7¢ higher in expiring Feb, Live Cattle futures closed and average of $2.04 lower ($1.45 lower toward the back to $2.90 lower at the front).
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.62 lower.
Wholesale beef values were steady on Choice and lower on Select with light to moderate demand and moderate offerings, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 24¢ lower Friday afternoon at $205.30/cwt. Select was 78¢ lower at $198.91.
Corn futures closed mostly fractionally mixed to 1¢ lower.
Soybean futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower.
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