Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in the Texas Panhandle though Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Elsewhere, trade was limited on light demand.
For the week, live prices were generally steady to $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $119-$120/cwt. and steady to either side of steady at $123-$126 in the north. Dressed trade was steady in the western Corn Belt at $196-$202 but steady to $4 higher in Nebraska at $198-$202.
The five-area direct average steer price through Thursday was $122.01/cwt. on a live basis, which was $1.81 less than the same period a week earlier. The average steer price in the beef was 34¢ higher at $198.48.
Feeder Cattle futures faded pressure through much of the session to close higher Friday, perhaps supported by some positioning ahead of Monday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.68 higher ($1.30 to $2.12 higher).
Live Cattle futures managed to edge higher but remained under pressure from declining wholesale beef values. Monday’s markets could come under pressure from the Executive order signed by President Biden Friday, aimed at a number of broad issues, including concentration and competition in several industries, including agriculture.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of 51¢ higher, except for 5¢ lower in spot Aug.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.38 lower Friday afternoon at $278.59/cwt. Select was $2.65 lower at $257.41
Corn futures closed 6¢ to 8¢ lower through new-crop contracts, and then fractionally higher to 3¢ lower.
Soybean futures closed mostly 10¢ to 14¢ higher.
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