Negotiated cash fed cattle trade continued through Thursday afternoon, with limited to slow trade on light to moderate demand. For the week, live prices are $1-$2 higher on a live basis at $115/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $115-$116 in Nebraska and $116 in Colorado. Dressed trade in Nebraska is $3-$5 higher at $185. Trade was yet to be established in the western Corn Belt.
Cattle futures continued mostly higher Thursday, supported by stronger cash prices and wholesale beef values.
Net U.S. beef export sales of 18,900 metric tons for the week ending Mar. 18 were 27% less than the previous week but 3% more than the prior four-week average, according to the weekly U.S. Export Sales report. Increases were primarily for Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan and Chile.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of 45¢ higher through the front five contracts, and then unchanged to an average of 18¢ lower.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 98¢ higher, from 37¢ to $1.80 higher.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.61 higher Thursday afternoon at $236.45/cwt. Select was $2.18 higher at $226.25.
The average dressed steer weight of 904 lbs. was 4 lbs. heavier than the prior week and 3 lbs. heavier than the previous year, according to USDA’s Actual Slaughter Under Federal Inspection report for the week ending Mar. 13. The average dressed heifer weight of 832 lbs. was 1 lb. lighter than the previous week and 3 lbs. lighter than the previous year.
Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower.
Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 18¢ lower.
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