Cattle futures closed higher in the nearby contracts and then on either side of steady. Along with apparent short covering, ongoing strength in wholesale beef values provided some support, as did higher outside markets.
After an average of $1.19 higher in the front two contracts, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 16¢ higher, except for 2¢ lower in away Apr.
After 77¢ higher in spot Mar, Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, 22¢ lower to 20¢ higher.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 26¢ higher Friday afternoon at $224.14/cwt. Select was 48¢ higher at $217.26.
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