Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light demand in Nebraska through Wednesday afternoon. Although too few to trend, there were some early live sales at $118/cwt., which was $2 higher than last week. Trade was mostly inactive on light demand in the Southern Plains, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Elsewhere, it was at a standstill.
Buyers of Nebraska cattle in Central Stockyards’ weekly Fed Cattle Exchange auction also paid $118 for 1,725 head. Overall, cattle feeders offered 4,593 head; 2,038 head sold—all via live weight—for a weighted average price of $117.77.
Live Cattle futures gained on the outlook for higher cash prices, as well as ongoing strength in wholesale beef values.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of 82¢ higher, except for unchanged in spot Apr.
Feeder Cattle futures wilted beneath the weight of resurgent grain futures prices, tied to USDA’s Prospective Plantings report (see below).
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.41 lower.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.29 higher Wednesday afternoon at $247.12/cwt. Select was $2.21 higher at $238.13.
Grain futures spiked higher Wednesday—especially Corn and Soybeans—based on USDA’s Prospective Plantings report. Producers intend to plant more acres to both crops this year than last, but far fewer than expectations ahead of the report.
Corn futures closed mostly 18¢ higher to limit up 25¢.
Soybean futures closed 44¢ higher to limit up 70¢.
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