Cattle Current Podcast-December 15

Cash fed cattle trade remained undeveloped through Thursday afternoon.

Odds and ends fed cattle trade at auction the previous day pointed to steady to lower prices than last week’s 5-area weighted average of about $117.50/cwt. for steers.

Cattle futures edged higher on Thursday, supported by short covering and the overall livestock complex, but the continued lack of cash direction limited gains.

After an average of 70¢ higher in the front two contracts, Live Cattle futures closed 17¢ lower to 20¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 61¢ higher (30¢ to 82¢ higher).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.44 lower on Thursday afternoon at $201.04/cwt. Select was $1.33 lower at $183.69.