Feeder Cattle futures surged higher Wednesday, buoyed by early-week cash strength and sharply lower grain futures prices. Live Cattle followed along to a lesser degree.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.42 higher, from $1.22 higher at the back to $3.45 higher toward the front.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of 50¢ higher.
Grain and soybean futures wilted beneath the weight of paltry U.S. export inspections, the high U.S. dollar and rains in South America.
Corn futures closed 11¢ to 16¢ lower through Jly ‘24 and then mostly 6¢ lower.
Soybean futures closed 6¢ to 9¢ lower through Nov ‘23 and then mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower.
Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on light to moderate demand in the western Corn Belt to inactive on light demand, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Last week, live prices were $157/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $158 in Nebraska and $157-$160 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices were $250-$252.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.05 lower Wednesday afternoon at $282.89/cwt. Select was $1.77 higher at $256.40/cwt.
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