Through late Friday afternoon, the week’s negotiated cash fed cattle trade was $1 lower in the Southern Plains at $111/cwt. Dressed sales in Nebraska were $2 higher than the bulk of the previous week’s trade at mostly $185. In the western Corn Belt, prices were steady: $115-$116 on a live basis and at mostly $185 in the beef.
Even so, newly announced tariffs on an additional $300 billion worth of Chinese imports—scheduled to go into effect Sept. 1—higher grain futures prices and increased uncertainty weighed on Cattle futures Friday.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.01 lower (22¢ lower in spot Aug to $1.27 lower).
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.61 lower ($1.60 to $3.55 lower).
Wholesale beef values were firm on Choice and higher on Select with moderate demand and offerings, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 49¢ higher Friday afternoon at $214.73/cwt. Select was $1.29 higher at $190.63.
Grain futures rebounded some Friday, but still closed lower week to week.
Corn futures closed 6¢ to 7¢ higher through Jul ’20 and then mostly 1¢ to 4¢ higher.
Soybean futures closed 2¢ to 3¢ higher through Sep ’20 and then fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.
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