Negotiated cash fed cattle prices last week were $1 higher than the previous week in the Southern Plains at $107/cwt. on a live basis, $4-$6 higher in Nebraska at $107/cwt., and $3-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $105-$106. Dressed trade was $2-$9 higher at mostly $167, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Last week’s five-area weighted average fed steer price was $106.33/cwt. on a live basis, which was $1.26 higher than the previous week, but $8.27 less than the same time a year earlier. The average steer price in the beef was $165.35, which was $1.40 more than the prior week, but $15.69 less than the previous year.
Cattle futures roared higher Monday, buoyed by significant gains in wholesale beef prices and last week’s stronger cash fed cattle prices. There was also likely plenty of help from surging outside markets, tied to the reported efficacy of a coronavirus vaccine (more below).
Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.19 higher, from $1.20 higher toward the back to $3.17 higher in spot Dec.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.71 higher, from $1.90 higher at the back to $4.80 higher.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.07 higher Monday afternoon at $217.39/cwt. Select was $3.88 higher at $202.37. Week to week, Choice was $8.74 higher and Select was up $9.75.
Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher.
Soybean futures closed 6¢ to 9¢ higher through Aug ‘21, and then mostly from 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher.
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