Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was undeveloped Wednesday, as expected. There was chatter about steady to higher prices this week, though, based on current demand and an estimated holiday harvest larger than many expected.
Cash fed cattle prices last week were steady to a touch higher. Live prices were $119/cwt. in Kansas and Nebraska ($118-$120 in the western Corn Belt). Dressed prices were $190.
Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed to higher (Feeder Cattle), supported by firm fed cattle prices and boxed beef cutout values.
After 47¢ higher in spot Dec, Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed (17¢ lower to 7¢ higher). On Monday, except for unchanged in the spot month, they were an average of 22¢ higher.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 34¢ higher. They were an average of 32¢ higher on Monday.
Wholesale beef values were steady on Select and higher on Choice with light to moderate demand and offerings, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.64 higher Wednesday afternoon at $215.69/cwt. Select was 10¢ higher at $207.60.
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