Negotiated cash fed cattle trade remained largely undeveloped through Wednesday afternoon. The early tone was bearish, though, with AMS reporting early dressed sales in Nebraska $3-$8 lower at $167, on light trade and moderate demand.
Fat cattle auctions were mixed.
For instance, there was no trend, but demand was good and trade active at Tama, IA, where Choice 2-4 steers weighing an average of 1,371 lbs. brought $110.21/cwt.
On the other hand, the AMS reporter at Sioux Falls Regional said demand was light and activity slow—few packer buyers present—for the high quality grading steers and heifers, offered in a fair weighing condition. All told, 434 head of Ch 2-3 steers weighing an average of 1,431 brought $101.34.
Lower Corn futures continued to support Feeder Cattle futures Wednesday, while apparently continued queasiness over demand and supply-side logistics helped apply some pressure to front-month Live Cattle.
Live Cattle futures closed mixed but mostly higher, from 2¢ to 75¢ lower in three contracts to an average of 47¢ higher.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.16 higher.
Wholesale beef values were steady on Choice and sharply lower on Select with light demand and offerings, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 1¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $230.65/cwt. Select was $2.67 lower at $208.95.
Corn futures closed 2¢ to 3¢ lower through May ‘20 and then mostly fractionally mixed.
Soybean futures closed 6¢ to 7¢ higher through Aug ’20 and then mostly 3¢ to 4¢ higher.
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