Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ended up $1 higher in the Southern Plains last week at $106/cwt. Live prices were also $1 higher in Nebraska at $107-$108 and steady to $3.50 higher in the western Corn Belt at mostly $110. Dressed trade was $6-$10 higher in Nebraska at $175-$178, in a light test. In the western Corn Belt, dressed prices were $4-$6 higher at $174-$178.
Week to week (ending Aug. 25), the average 5-area direct steer price was 44¢ more on a live basis at $107.12, according to USDA. The average dressed steer price was $4.39 more at $175.34.
That was with 55,786 head of fed cattle slaughter, which were 10,874 more than the previous week. Estimated total cattle slaughter for the week was 654,000 head, according to USDA’s Weekly Livestock, Poultry and Grain Highlights. That was 3,000 head more than the previous week’s estimated slaughter. Total estimated cattle slaughter the week of the Tyson fire was 645,000 head.
Cattle futures made strong gains to start the week, buoyed by Friday’s friendlier than expected Cattle on Feed report, the weekend announcement of a new trade pact with Japan (see below), as well as reports that China is willing to renew trade talks with the U.S.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.29 higher, recapturing most of Friday’s decline.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.80 higher, recovering about three-quarters of what was lost in the previous session.
Wholesale beef values were firm on Choice and lower on Select with light to moderate demand and light offerings, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 54¢ higher Monday afternoon at $238.06/cwt. Select was $1.05 lower at $211.66.
Corn futures closed mostly fractionally higher.
Soybean futures closed 6¢ to 10¢ higher.
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