Negotiated cash fed cattle prices were lower across a broad range last week. The weighted average five-area direct live steer price was $2.97 lower week to week on Thursday at $112.68/cwt. The dressed price was $4.13 lower at $179.17. Prices were $113.51 and $184.16 at the same time last year.
Softer cash prices, declining wholesale beef values and the outlook for continued price erosion weighed on Cattle futures Friday.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.59 lower in the front four contracts, then an average of 52¢ lower (17¢ to 95¢ lower).
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average $1.15 lower, from 55¢ lower in spot Aug to $1.35 lower at the back.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $10.78 lower Friday afternoon at $261.48/cwt. Select was $13.99 lower at $246.42.
Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ higher.
Soybean futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ higher across the front half of the board and then mainly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.
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