Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light to moderate on moderate demand in the Southern Plains and Nebraska through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Trade was light on light to moderate demand in the western Corn Belt.
For the week, live prices were $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $157/cwt., $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $158 and steady to $3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $157-$160. Dressed prices were $3 higher in Nebraska at $252. Dressed prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were $248-$249.
Total estimated cattle slaughter last week was 547,000 head, which was 15,000 head fewer than the previous week but 23,000 head more than the same week a year earlier. Year-to-date total estimated cattle slaughter of 33.68 million head was 499,000 head more (+1.5%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 27.85 billion lbs. was 369.7 million lbs. more (+1.3%).
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.12 higher Friday afternoon at $281.98/cwt. Select was 23¢ higher at $250.93/cwt. Week to week on Friday, Choice was up $10.03.
Cattle futures sagged lower Friday amid a general lack of trader interest and year-end position squaring.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of 71¢ lower (2¢ lower near the back to $3.67 lower in expiring Dec on scant trade).
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 36¢ lower, except for unchanged and 2¢ higher in the back two contracts.
Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.
Soybean futures closed 4¢ to 10¢ higher through Sep ‘23 on drier weather in Argentina and hopes of increased exports to China. The rest of the board was mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower.
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