Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive with very light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were too few transactions to trend.
Live prices last week were steady in the Southern Plains on a live basis at $124/cwt. and steady to $2 higher at $124 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices were at $196, which was steady in Nebraska but steady to $3 higher in the western Corn Belt.
The five-area direct average steer price last week was 88¢ higher at $123.84/cwt. The average steer price in the beef was 33¢ higher at $195.70.
Cattle futures started the week softer amid technical considerations and traders apparently seeking more price direction. Another day of stronger Corn futures added pressure to Feeder Cattle. Some might also be considering positions ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report due out Friday.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.52 lower, (50¢ lower at the back to $2.07 lower toward the front).
Live Cattle futures closed an average of 43¢ lower, except for an average of 8¢ higher in the back two contracts.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 15¢ lower Monday afternoon at $280.09/cwt. Select was 81¢ lower at $259.81/cwt.
Corn futures got a follow-through boost from export sales, which were 85% more than the prior four-week average, according to the latest U.S. Export Sales report for the week ending Oct. 7. They closed mostly 4¢ to 5¢ higher.
Soybean futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher.
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