Cattle futures eased lower Wednesday with likely profit taking and await the week’s cash fed cattle trade.
Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.56 lower ($2.10 lower toward the front to 65¢ lower at the back.
Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.19 lower ($2.47 to $4.50 lower).
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $232/cwt. in Kansas, $232 in Nebraska and $230-$232 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $360.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.03 higher Wednesday afternoon at $354.28/cwt. Select was $1.80 lower at $349.28.
Grain and Soybean futures were higher Wednesday with likely technical buying.
Toward the close, through near Sep contracts, Soybean futures were 7¢ to 11¢ higher. Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat futures were 10¢ higher.
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Major U.S. financial indices were mostly lower Wednesday with pressure from energy and bank stocks.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 466 points lower. The S&P 500 closed 23 points lower. The NASDAQ was up 37 points.
Through mid-afternoon, West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil futures (CME) were 62¢ to 79¢ lower through the front six contracts.
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Many in the beef industry are hailing new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) released on Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The updated DGAs nearly double the recommended daily amount for protein intake, increasing it to 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram body weight, depending on age group and individual caloric needs, according to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The document focuses on building a healthy diet around whole foods, limiting highly processed foods and added sugars, and prioritizing protein at every meal like nutrient-dense beef. Red meat is specifically mentioned as a healthy source of protein in a varied, balanced diet.
“As a mom, I understand the importance of eating nutritious wholesome protein and as a rancher, I see the hard work that goes into providing the best possible food for our communities. The updated and simplified Dietary Guidelines will help more families like mine learn the facts about beef’s nutritional value and make the best decisions when they’re shopping for a nutrient-rich, whole, and delicious protein,” says Kim Brackett, an Idaho rancher and NCBA vice president. “Beef provides high amounts of protein plus nine other essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, and gold-standard clinical studies have consistently shown that it is easy to incorporate beef into a balanced, heart-healthy diet. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy underlining the role of beef as an important part of a healthy diet.”
Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute president and CEO echoes those sentiments: “We are pleased the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans prioritize protein and that families can get that protein from nutrient dense meat and poultry.
“Robust scientific evidence demonstrates that meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and highly bioavailable minerals that support human health throughout the lifespan.”