Cattle futures wobbled Tuesday with indecisive two-sided trade.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 25¢ higher, except for 53¢ lower in two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 45¢ lower, except for 32¢ higher in Nov.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $225/cwt. in Kansas, $220-$225 in Nebraska and $220 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $340-$345.

FOB live prices in the Texas Panhandle the previous week were $215-$220.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 14¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $361.04/cwt. Select was 57¢ lower at $348.60.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed on Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were mostly fractionally lower 4¢  higher, helped by reduced ending stocks in the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

KC HRW Wheat futures were unchanged to fractionally mixed, challenged by an increase in estimated global ending stocks.

Soybean futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower, with no supply or use changes in the WASDE.

Cattle futures stepped back from recent gains on Monday with likely profit taking and technical selling.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 81¢ lower, except for 17¢ higher in spot Dec. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.76 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light 70 moderate demand through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $5 higher in Kansas at $225/cwt., $10-$15 higher in Nebraska at $220-$225 and $10-$12 higher in the western Corn Belt at $220. Dressed delivered prices were $10-$15 higher in Nebraska at $340-$345 and $12-$15 higher in the western Corn Belt at $340-$345.

There was no reported established weekly in the Texas Panhandle last week. FOB live prices the previous week were $215-$220.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $9.68 higher at $221.21. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer prices was $13.23 higher at $342.61.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 30¢ lower Monday afternoon at $360.90/cwt. Select was $1.21 higher at $348.60.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower on Monday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Soybean futures were 7¢ to 11¢ lower. Corn futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued higher Friday on positive fundamentals and the week’s higher cash fed cattle prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.01 higher (95¢ to $5.70 higher).

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average $7.80 higher ($6.50 higher to $11.57 higher in spot Dec). That’s an average of $12.02 higher in the last two weeks.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.83 higher on Friday ($1.92 to $3.62 higher). Week to week on Friday, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $15.94 higher. That’s an average of $26.86 higher over the past two weeks.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on moderate to good demand in Nebraska through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $5 higher than earlier in the week at $225/cwt.

Trade in the western Corn Belt was limited on moderate demand. Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades at $220-$222.

For the week, FOB live prices were $10-$15 higher in Nebraska at $220-$225 and $10-$12 higher in the western Corn Belt at $220. Dressed delivered prices were $10-$15 higher in Nebraska at $340-$345 and $12-$15 higher in the western Corn Belt at $340-$345.

There was no reported established weekly trade  in the Southern Plains. The previous week, FOB live prices were $215-$220 in the Texas Panhandle and mainly $220 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.56 lower Friday afternoon at $361.20/cwt. Select was $2.93 lower at $347.39.

Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.62 lower and Select was $3.66 lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter for the week of 600,000 head was 102,000 head more than the prior holiday-shortened week but 14,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 27.3 million head was 2.1 million head fewer (-7%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 23.9 billion pounds was 1.1 billion pounds less (-4.3%).

Turning to row crops, Grain and Soybean futures were mixed on Friday.

Soybean futures closed 9¢ to 14¢ lower on increasing confusion about the U.S. trade deal with China.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 2¢ higher through Sep ‘26, and then fractionally mixed with spillover pressure from Soybeans.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed unchanged to 2¢ lower, except for 6¢ lower in spot Dec.

Cattle futures eased were higher once again Thursday, buoyed by stronger cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.43 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.60 higher, except for 40¢ lower in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate to good demand in the North through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were $220/cwt. and dressed delivered prices were $340. That was $10 higher in Nebraska and $10-$12 higher in the western Corn Belt.

Elsewhere, trade was inactive on light demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were $215-$220 in the Texas Panhandle and mainly $220 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.09 lower Thursday afternoon at $362.72/cwt. Select was $2.80 lower at $350.32.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher on Thursday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts,

Corn futures were 2¢ to 5¢ higher, helped by ethanol production.

KC HRW Wheat futures were 4¢ to 8¢ higher, as traders added more risk premium for the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Soybean futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher.

Cattle futures eased higher Wednesday amid chatter that cash fed cattle prices could improve this week.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 91¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.17 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $215-$220/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, mainly $220 in Kansas, mostly $210 in Nebraska and mainly $208-$210 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $330 in Nebraska and $328-$330 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 91¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $363.81/cwt. Select was $2.34 higher at $353.12.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower on Wednesday with likely profit taking.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were mostly 6¢ to 7¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were 3¢ lower. Soybean futures were 8¢ to 10¢ lower.

Cattle futures surged higher Tuesday with little apparent cause other than oversold conditions and perhaps easing headline pressure, at least for the day.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $4.75 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $8.41 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $215-$220/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, mainly $220 in Kansas, mostly $210 in Nebraska and mainly $208-$210 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $330 in Nebraska and $328-$330 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.17 lower Tuesday afternoon at $364.72/cwt. Select was $7.10 lower at $350.78.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed on Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher, helped along by strong demand.

KC HRW Wheat futures were 6¢ higher with traders likely adding some geopolitical risk.

Soybean futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower as traders await confirmation of China making good on its deal to purchase more.

Cattle futures tried to hold recent gains Monday but they were mostly lower as traders began the new week and month.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.21 lower (15¢ lower to $2.07 lower). Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.68 lower, except for an average of 58¢ higher in three contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $4-$9 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $215-$220/cwt., mostly $2-$4 lower in Kansas at mainly $220, mostly $8 lower in Nebraska at mainly $210 and $7-$8 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $208-$210. Dressed delivered prices were $10-$15 lower in Nebraska at $330 and $12-$17 lower in the western Corn Belt at $328-$330.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $5.88 lower at $211.52. The five-area direct weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $13.98 lower at $329.38.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.07 higher Monday afternoon at $368.89/cwt. Select was $6.83 higher at $357.88.

Corn and Soybean futures were lower Monday on likely profit taking.

 Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were 8¢ to 10¢ lower.

Cattle futures extended gains in the holiday-shortened trading session on Friday, supported by stronger cash fed cattle prices at the end of the week and more confidence in the ability of other Nebraska packers to pick up the slack from the plant closure in Lexington (see below). Apparently, some traders also were heartened by the U.S. Agriculture Secretary’s comments earlier in the week suggesting the southern border will reopen on a staggered basis to Mexican cattle imports when it does reopen.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $5.15 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $8.59 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate to good demand in the Texas Panhandle through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $220/cwt., which was $5 higher than earlier in the week but $4 lower than a week earlier.

Trade in Kansas was moderate on good demand. FOB live prices were mostly $2-$4 lower at mainly $220.

In the western Corn Belt, trade was limited on moderate demand. Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live sales at $215. For the week, FOB live prices were $7-$8 lower at $208-$210. Dressed delivered prices were $12-$17 lower at $328-$330.

Trade in Nebraska was inactive on light to moderate demand. For the week, FOB live prices were mostly $8 lower at mainly $210. Dressed delivered prices were $10-$15 lower at $330.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.46 lower Friday afternoon at $366.82/cwt. Select was $4.46 lower at $351.05.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 501,000 head was 84,000 head fewer than the previous week and 32,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 26.7 million head was 2 million head fewer (-7.1%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 23.3 billion pounds was 1.1 billion pounds less (-4.4%).

Corn and Soybean futures continued higher Friday, supported by positive demand, including Chinese soybean purchases.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 4¢ to 8¢ higher through May ‘27. KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures climbed higher Wednesday, suggesting a bottom may have been established.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $4.63 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $8.06 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand in the North to inactive on light to moderate demand in the Southern Plains through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $9 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $215/cwt., mostly $8 lower in Nebraska at mainly $210 and $7-$8 lower in the western Corn Belt at $208-$210. Dressed delivered prices are $10-$15 lower in Nebraska at $330 and $12-$17 lower in the western Corn Belt at $328-$330.

FOB live prices in Kansas last week were $222-$224.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.81 lower Wednesday afternoon at $368.28/cwt. Select was 42¢ lower at $355.51.

Grain and Soybean futures continued higher Wednesday, supported by an apparent slowing in farmer selling.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 6¢ to 9¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 7¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices continue to lose ground this week.

FOB live sales were $8-$9 lower in Nebraska at $209-$212/cwt. Dressed delivered prices were $10-$15 lower at $330.

That was on moderate trade and good demand through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Similarly, FOB live prices were $7-$10 lower in the western Corn Belt at $208 and dressed delivered trades were $12-$17 lower at $328-$330. Trade was light on moderate demand.

Trade in the Southern Plains was inactive on light demand. Last week, FOB live prices were $224 in the Texas Panhandle and $222-$224 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 40¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $370.09/cwt. Select was 42¢ higher at $355.93.

Cattle futures did bounce back some on Tuesday, as traders absorbed news of Tyson’s plans to reduce packing capacity, and perhaps some latent reaction to Friday’s Cattle on Feed report, which underscored declining cattle numbers.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.01 higher (5¢ to $3.25 higher), except for an average of 71¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.66 higher, except for $1.82 lower in away Nov. and no trend in the back contract.

Grain and Soybean futures bounced higher Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were unchanged to 2¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat futures were 4¢ to 7¢ higher. Soybean futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher.

Cattle futures plowed lower Monday, driven by Friday’s news that Tyson will close its packing plant in Lexington, Neb, and decrease production in its Amarillo, Texas plant.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were limit-down $7.25, except for an average of $6.99 lower in the back three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were limit-down $9.25.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light to moderate demand in the western Corn Belt through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades at $208/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was inactive on light demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were $4 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $224/cwt., $4-$6 lower in Kansas at $222-$224, mostly $7 lower in Nebraska at mainly $218 and $7-$9 lower in the western Corn Belt at $215-$218. Dressed delivered prices were $10 lower in Nebraska at $340-$345 and mostly $3-$10 lower in the western Corn Belt at $340-$347.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $7.65 lower at $217.41. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $7.58 lower at $343.36.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 99¢ lower Monday afternoon at $370.49/cwt. Select was $1.47 lower at $355.51.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed to lower Monday in lackadaisical holiday trade.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ lower to fractionally higher. KC HRW Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued closed lower Friday, but off session lows. Pressure included the week’s softer cash fed cattle prices, news about U.S. tariffs being rolled back on Brazilian beef imports and Tyson announcing closure of its packing plant in Lexington, Neb.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 33¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 99¢ lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average $2.90 lower, except for unchanged in the back contract. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $5.00 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $4 lower in the Southern Plains at $224/cwt., mostly $7-$8 lower in Nebraska at mainly $218-$219 and $7-$12 in the western Corn Belt at mostly $215. Dressed delivered prices were $8-$10 lower in Nebraska at $340-$347 and mostly $3-$10 lower in the western Corn Belt at $340-$347.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 20¢ higher Friday afternoon at $371.48/cwt. Select was $2.80higher at $356.98.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 585,000 head was 9,000 head more than the previous week, but 50,000 head fewer (-7.9%) than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 26.2 million head was 2 million head fewer (-7.1%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 22.9 billion pounds was 1 billion pounds less (-4.4%).

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Friday.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower with ongoing pressure from the surprisingly high yield estimate in the November WASDE. Corn futures an average of 7¢ lower through the front six contracts week to week on Friday.

On Friday, KC HRW Wheat futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were unchanged to 2¢ higher through Aug ’26 and then 1¢ to 2¢ lower with lingering pressure from profit taking and farmer selling.

Cattle futures continued to unwind Thursday. Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.01 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.92 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt to limited on moderate demand in Nebraska and Kansas. Trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle.

Based on the last established trade, FOB live prices for the week are $4 lower in the Southern Plains at $224/cwt., mostly $7-$8 lower in Nebraska at mainly $218-$219 and $7-$12 in the western Corn Belt at mostly $215. Dressed delivered prices are $8-$10 lower in Nebraska at $340-$347 and mostly $8-$10 lower in the western Corn Belt at $340-$347.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 5¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $371.28/cwt. Select was 63¢ higher at $354.18.

Grain and Soybean futures continued lower Thursday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were 8¢ to 9¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 9¢ to 13¢ lower.

Cattle futures sagged lower Wednesday with pressure from lower negotiated cash fed cattle prices and sluggish wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.60 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.83 lower, except for 90¢ higher in spot Nov.

Presumably, USDA will publish the November Cattle on Feed report Friday. Pre-report estimates peg October placements and marketings 7-8% lower and Nov. 1 on-feed inventories about 2% lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices were lower Wednesday. FOB live prices were $6 lower at $215-$219/cwt. in Nebraska and $4-$9 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $218 on moderate trade and moderate to good demand. Dressed delivered sales were $8-$10 lower in Nebraska at $340-$347. Although too few to trend, there were some dressed delivered trades in the western Corn Belt at $340-$347. Prices there last week was $350.

Trade in Kansas was light on moderate demand with Live FOB prices $4 lower at $224.

Although too few to trend, there were also some FOB live trades at $224/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle where prices last week were $228.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 72¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $371.23/cwt. Select was $1.40 lower at $353.55.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Wednesday with likely profit taking.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures 7¢ to 8¢ lower.  KC HRW Wheat futures were 10¢ to 11¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 13¢ to 17¢ lower.

Cattle futures extended gains from the previous session on Monday with a feeling of confidence, despite more negative rhetoric from the White House, aimed at beef packers this time (see below).

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $7.02 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were limit-up $9.250, except for $2.80 higher in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand in all cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $3-$4/cwt. lower in the Texas Panhandle at mostly $232, $5 lower in Kansas at $230-$232, mostly steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at mainly $230 and mostly $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at mainly $228. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $1 lower in Nebraska at $357-$360 and steady to $3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $355-$360.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $2.16 lower at $228.70. The weighted average dressed-delivered fed steer price was 21¢ lower at $358.33.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 92¢ higher Monday afternoon at $377.32/cwt. Select was $1.39 lower at $359.70.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Monday, with some likely early positioning tied to the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates that are supposed to be published Friday, in spite of the government shutdown.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts,

Corn futures were 2¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat futures were 7¢ to 8¢ higher. Soybean futures were 10¢ to 14¢ higher.

Cattle futures firmed Friday.

Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.74 higher. However, they were an average $6.97 lower week to week on Friday. That’s about an average $23.09 lower over the past three weeks.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.36 higher on Friday but an average of $13.38 lower week to week and about an average of $51.78 lower over the past three weeks.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade were mostly inactive on moderate demand in all cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices were $3-$4/cwt. lower in the Texas Panhandle at $232 and $3-$5 lower in Kansas at $232. FOB live prices were unevenly steady in Nebraska at $230-$230.50 and mostly $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly mainly $228. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $1 lower in Nebraska at $357-$360 and steady to $3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $355-$360.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.56 lower Friday afternoon at $376.40/cwt. Select was 33¢ higher at $361.09. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $1.73 lower but Select was $2.44 higher.

Grain futures and were lower Friday, while Soybean futures closed higher.

 Corn futures were mostly 1¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were mostly 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 10¢ higher through near Aug and then 3¢ to 4¢ higher.  

Cattle futures moved lower again on Thursday with follow-through pressure and lower negotiated cash fed cattle prices for the week.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 74¢ lower, except for $1.85 higher in the back contract. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.96 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on moderate demand in all cattle feeding regions through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $3-$4/cwt. lower in the Texas Panhandle at $232 and $3-$5 lower in Kansas at $232. FOB live prices are unevenly steady in Nebraska at $230-$230.50 and mostly $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at mainly $228. Dressed delivered prices are steady to $1 lower in Nebraska at $357-$360 and steady to $3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $355-$360.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 29¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $377.97/cwt. Select was 51¢ higher at $360.76.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Thursday with likely profit taking, farmer selling and weaker outside markets.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 6¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were 16¢ to 17¢ lower. Soybean futures were 20¢ to 28¢ lower.  

Cattle futures extended losses Wednesday, trading mostly limit-down, as traders hunt for a bottom to the emotionally driven break, tied to President Trumps goal of lowering domestic retail beef prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $7.20 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $9.19 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on moderate demand in the Southern Plains to moderate on good demand in the North through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Early, FOB live prices were $3-$4/cwt. lower in the Texas Panhandle at $232 and $3-$5 lower in Kansas at $232. FOB live prices were unevenly steady in Nebraska at $230-$230.50 and $1-$2 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $228-$229. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $1 lower at $357-$360.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 68¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $378.26/cwt. Select was $1.00 lower at $360.25.

Grain and Soybean futures rebounded on Wednesday, helped along by China rolling back some tariffs on U.S. agricultural imports.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 10¢ to 15¢ higher.  

Queasiness about political intent for the cattle markets and wonderments about resumption of cattle imports from Mexico pressured Cattle futures on Tuesday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $4.25 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $8.09 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235-$236/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$237 in Kansas, $228-$232 in Nebraska and mostly $230 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mainly $358-$360.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.67 lower Tuesday afternoon at $377.58/cwt. Select was $1.32 higher at $361.25.

Corn and Soybean futures were lower on Tuesday with pressure likely including farmer selling and profit taking from recent gains.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts,

Corn futures were mostly 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures were 12¢ to 14¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 4¢ higher.

Fundamentals appeared to return to Cattle futures trade Monday as prices gained back some of the recent losses.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.34 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.36 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2-$3 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $235-$236/cwt. in a light test, $1-$3 lower in Kansas at $235-$237 in a light test, $7 lower in Nebraska at $228-$232 and $5-$9 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $230. Dressed delivered prices were mainly $10-$12 lower at $358-$360.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price was $7.03 lower at $230.86. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $10.76 lower at $358.54.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.12 higher Monday afternoon at $379.25/cwt. Select was $1.28 higher at $359.93.

Soybean futures gained again Monday, riding the coattails of last week’s announced trade framework between the United States and China. Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Soybean futures were 14¢ to 20¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures were 8¢ to 13¢ higher with chatter about potential Chinese business.

Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher.

Heightened volatility and uncertainty tied to lingering wonderments about President Trump’s stated goal to reduce beef prices capped recent gains in Cattle futures on Friday. Month-end position squaring was likely also at play.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.99 lower, except for $1.32 higher in expiring spot Oct. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average $5.75 lower, except for $2.85 higher in expiring spot Oct. They were an average $10.37 lower the previous week.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.08 lower, from 2¢ lower in expiring Oct to $2.95 lower. Week to week on Friday, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $16.31 lower. They were an average of $38.40 lower over the past two weeks.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light to moderate demand in all cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades in Nebraska at $232.00/cwt. and some in the western Corn Belt at $230.

For the week, FOB live prices were mostly $230/cwt. in the North and dressed delivered trades in Nebraska were $355-$360.

FOB live prices in the Southern Plains the previous week were $238. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were $372 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 14¢ lower Friday afternoon at $378.13/cwt. Select was 87¢ lowerat $358.65.

Soybean futures gained further Friday on the recently announced trade framework between the United States and China, which includes minimum U.S. soybean exports to China. They closed mostly 8¢ to 10¢ higher through Mar ‘27.

Corn futures were unchanged to 1¢ higher through Jly ’26 and then mostly fractionally lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were 1¢ to 11¢ higher through Sep ’26 and then mostly fractionally lower.

Cattle futures mostly crawled higher Thursday as traders await further direction from this week’s negotiated cash fed cattle trade.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 70¢ higher (from 2¢ higher to $4.10 higher in waning spot Oct. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 73¢ higher, except for an average of 40¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on moderate demand in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades $235-$235.50/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was inactive on light to moderate demand.

So far this week, FOB live prices are mostly $230/cwt. in the North and dressed delivered trades in Nebraska are $355-$360.

Last week, FOB live prices in the Southern Plains were $238. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt last week were $372 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.11 lower Thursday afternoon at $378.27/cwt. Select was $2.27 lower at $359.52.

Soybean futures gained Thursday with an announced trade truce between the United States and China, albeit a deal with few details provided.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Soybean futures were 7¢ to 12¢ higher. Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures were 7¢ to 9¢ lower.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $5.33 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $8.57 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are mostly $230/cwt. in the North and dressed delivered trades in Nebraska are $355-$360.

Last week, FOB live prices in the Southern Plains were $238. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt last week were $372 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.73 higher Wednesday afternoon at $381.28/cwt. Select was $1.79 higher at $361.79.

Profit taking from recent gains seemed to be the order of the day in the grain complex on Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were unchanged to 2¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat mixed, from 1¢ lower to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 2¢ lower.

Live Cattle futures firmed and mostly gained Tuesday, while Feeder Cattle futures continued to unwind with long position liquidation.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 71¢ higher, except for an average of 54¢ lower in the front two contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $9.61 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand in Nebraska to mostly inactive on light to moderate demand elsewhere through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades in Nebraska at $228-$230/cwt.

Established FOB live prices so far this week are $230 in the North with dressed delivered trades in Nebraska at $355-$360.

Last week, FOB live prices in the Southern Plains were $238. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt last week were $372 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.77 higher Tuesday afternoon at $379.65/cwt. Select was $1.66 lower at $360.00.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher again Tuesday on speculation the U.S. will ink a deal with China.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 3¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat 5¢ to 6¢ higher. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 9¢ higher.

Cattle futures continued to plunge lower Monday, fueled by uncertainty created by the federal government’s attempts to lower domestic consumer beef prices (see below).

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $9.14 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $13.22 lower, limit down, except for $9.025 lower in spot Oct.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on Moderate demand in the North through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $230/cwt., which was $5-$9 lower in Nebraska and $5-$10 lower in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $9-$10 lower at $358-$360. Last week, dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt were $372.

Last week, FOB prices in the Texas Panhandle were $2 lower than the previous week at $238.

The five-area weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $1.93 lower at $237.87/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $3.13 lower at $369.30.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.12 higher Monday afternoon at $377.88/cwt. Select was $3.69 higher at $361.66.

Soybean futures led the grain complex higher Monday on speculation the U.S. will ink a deal with China.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Soybean futures were mostly 18¢ to 24¢ higher. Corn futures were 4¢ to 7¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat 13¢ to 14¢ higher.

Cattle futures, continued to firm Tuesday and gain back from last Friday’s sharp losses.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.59 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 87¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were mainly $240/cwt. in all regions, which was $5 higher in Kansas, $5-$6 higher in Nebraska, $5 higher in the western Corn Belt, and compared to two weeks earlier, $7 higher in the Texas Panhandle.

Dressed delivered prices were $10 higher in Nebraska at $372 and $10-$10.50 higher in the western Corn Belt at $372-$372.50.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.75 higher Tuesday afternoon at $371.93/cwt. Select was 89¢ lower at $352.57.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday with chart resistance.

Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were1¢ to 2¢ lower.

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Major U.S. financial indices closed mixed Tuesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 218 points higher. The S&P 500 closed fractionally higher. The NASDAQ was down 36 points.

West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil futures (CME) closed 14¢ to 35¢ higher through the front six contracts.

Cattle futures melted down Friday on President Trump’s widely reported and vague comments that the White House plans to lower beef prices. Algorithmic trading likely drove the selloff deeper and faster than would have otherwise been the case. Fundamentally speaking and guided by history, government intervention in cattle and beef markets has never been favorable to producers.

Live Cattle futures were an average of $6.50 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $9.08 lower — limit down in all but the front contract.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average $2.59 lower, except for $1.78 higher in spot Oct. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.86 lower, from 80¢ lower in the back contract to $4.20 lower toward the front.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was active on good demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were mainly $240/cwt. in all regions, which was $5 higher in Kansas, $5-$6 higher in Nebraska, $5 higher in the western Corn Belt, and compared to two weeks earlier, $7 higher in the Texas Panhandle.

Dressed delivered prices were $10 higher in Nebraska at $372 and $10-$10.50 higher in the western Corn Belt at $372-$372.50.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 66¢ higher Friday afternoon at $366.77/cwt. Select was $1.34 higher at $350.27.

Technical support continued to underpin Grain and Soybean futures Friday.

Corn futures closed fractionally higher to 1¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat closed 1¢ to 2¢ higher through Mar ’27 and then fractionally higher. Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 8¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand in the North to inactive on light demand in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live sales in Nebraska at $240/cwt. and in the western Corn Belt at $238-$240.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235 in Kansas, $234-$235 in Nebraska and mainly $235 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $362.

FOB live prices in the Texas Panhandle the previous week were $233.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 37¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $366.11/cwt. Select was 23¢ lower at $348.93.

Cattle futures rose Thursday with the promise of higher cash fed cattle prices for the week.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.23 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.07 higher, except for 5¢ lower in spot Oct.

Then came President Trump’s widely reported and nebulous comments that the White House had a plan to lower beef prices soon. Through mid-day today, Live Cattle futures were an average of $6.16 lower and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $9.06 lower — limit down in all but one contract.

Grain and Soybean futures firmed Thursday with technical support and positive chatter about trade talk with China.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 5¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat closed fractionally mixed to 1¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 2¢ to 4¢ higher through Mar ‘27.

Cattle futures paused from the recent surge on Wednesday.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 13¢ lower in four contracts to an average of 19¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed from an average of 34¢ lower, except for an average of 8¢ higher in three contracts.

Cattle futures were mainly higher through mid-day Thursday.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235/cwt. in Kansas, $234-$235 in Nebraska and mainly $235 in the western Corn Belt. Delivered prices were $362.

FOB live prices in the Texas Panhandle the previous week were $233.

Many anticipate sharply higher cash fed cattle prices when gets underway this week.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.06 higher Wednesday afternoon at $366.48/cwt. Select was $1.39 lower at $349.16.

Grain and Soybean futures were narrowly mixed Wednesday.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 3¢ higher through Mar ‘27. KC HRW Wheat closed fractionally lower. Soybean futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures rolled higher Tuesday, supported by cash.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.76 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.31 higher. They’re taking a breather so far on Wednesday.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235/cwt. in Kansas, $234-$235 in Nebraska and mainly $235 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $362.

FOB live prices in the Texas Panhandle the previous week were $233.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 51¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $364.42/cwt. Select was 80¢ higher at $350.55.

Grain futures were higher Tuesday, especially Wheat on likely short covering and technical buying.

KC HRW Wheat closed 5¢ to 7¢ higher. Corn futures closed 1¢ to 2¢ higher through Jly ’26 and then unchanged to fractionally mixed. Soybean futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued to churn higher Monday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.12 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.18 higher, except for 12¢ lower in spot Oct.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in Kansas at $235/cwt., $4-$5 higher in Nebraska at $234-$235 and mostly $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at mainly $235. Dressed. Delivered prices were $2 higher at $362.

FOB live prices in the Texas Panhandle the previous week were $233.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price last week was $3.31 higher at $234.07/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $2.88 higher at $362.52.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.66 lower Monday afternoon at $363.91/cwt. Select was $3.36 higher at $349.75.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher on easing trade tensions withChina, at least for the day.

Cattle futures started Friday’s session lower with traders apparently taking some profits from the week’s bullish gains. Then cash fed cattle trade erupted with significantly higher prices and futures were off to the races again.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.45 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.96 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in North to mostly inactive on moderate demand in the Southern Plains through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Based on the last established trades reported for the week, FOB live prices were $4-$5 higher in Nebraska at $234-$235/cwt. and $2-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $232-$235. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $362. There were also some dressed delivered trades in the Western Corn Belt at $362, but too few to trend; price the previous week was $360.

FOB live prices in the Southern Plains the previous week were $232-$233.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 35¢ higher Friday afternoon at $365.57/cwt. Select was $2.06 higher at $346.39.

Soybean futures sank Friday in response to heightened trade tensions between China and the U.S. cast further doubt about a resolution between the two countries, which might lead to increased pressure on U.S. agricultural commodity exports.

Soybean futures closed mostly 10¢ to 15¢ lower.  Corn futures closed 4¢ to 5¢ lower through Jly ’26 and then 1¢ to 2¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat closed mostly 6¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued to climb Thursday supported by fundamental strength and increasing odds of steady to higher cash fed cattle trade this week.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.75 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.19 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle regions through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $233/cwt. in the Southern Plains, and $230 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $360.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 94¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $365.22/cwt. Select was 91¢ lower at $344.33.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Thursday, continuing the sideways back and forth with no USDA data — due to the government shutdown — such as the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, to offer direction.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 7¢ lower.

Traders pushed Cattle futures higher Wednesday, supported by increasing odds that wholesale beef values are near their seasonal bottom and eyes apparently fixed on tightening supplies.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.82 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.40 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $233/cwt. in the Southern Plains, and $230 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $360.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 19¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $366.16/cwt. Select was $3.64 lower at $345.24.

Grain futures were higher Wednesday bolstered by hopes of a government aid package and lower reported yields.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat were 1¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 3¢ to 7¢ higher.

Cattle futures were higher again Tuesday, helped along by the previous day’s announcement of another New World screwworm detection in northern Mexico and a day of higher wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.31 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.71 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $233/cwt. in the Southern Plains, and $230 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $360.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.63 higher Tuesday afternoon at $365.97/cwt. Select was 91¢ higher at $348.88.

Grain futures were lower Tuesday, while Soybean futures gained.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher.

Cattle futures bounced higher Monday, likely due in part to the U.S. standing pat on Brazilian beef import tariffs, at least for now.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.33 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.73 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $4 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $233/cwt.; $4-$5 lower in Kansas at $232-$233, $2-$5 lower in Nebraska at $230 and mainly $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $230. Dressed delivered prices were $5 lower at $360.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price was $1.89 lower at $230.76. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $5.33 lower at $359.64.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.07 higher Monday afternoon at $363.64/cwt. Select was $2.59 higher at $347.97.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed to start the week.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed higher Friday but continued the back and forth sideways path.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 85¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.64 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 90¢ higher (20¢ higher toward the front to $1.62 higher near the back), except for 77¢ lower in spot Oct. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.77 higher (17¢ higher at the front to $4.27 higher toward the back).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt to mostly inactive on light to moderate demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $2-$5 lower in Nebraska at $230/cwt. and mainly $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $230. Dressed delivered prices were $5 lower at $360.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $237/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $235-$237 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 95¢ lower Friday afternoon at $362.27/cwt. Select was $1.98 higher at $345.38. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $9.16 lower and Select was $7.06 lower.

Harvest pressure weighed on the grain complex Friday.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat closed 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures closed mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower.

Cattle futures stepped lower Thursday, bowing to softer cash fed cattle prices and the continued seasonal decline in wholesale beef values. Some also suggested conditional FDA approval of an injectable from Zoetis for the prevention and control of New World screwworm might have been part of the pressure, speculating it might mean a quicker reopening of the Mexican border — emphasis on speculation.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 96¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were  an average of $3.65 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light to moderate demand in the Southern Plains to limited on moderate demand in the North through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were a few FOB live trades in Nebraska at $230 and at $228-$230 in the western Corn Belt. There were also a few dressed delivered trades in Nebraska at $360.  

So far this week, FOB live prices are $2-$5 lower at $230/cwt. in Nebraska and mainly $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $230. Dressed delivered prices are $5 lower in Nebraska at $360.

Last week, FOB live prices were $237/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$237 in Kansas and mostly $232 in the western Corn Belt, where dressed delivered prices were $365.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.25 lower Thursday afternoon at $363.22/cwt. Select was $3.49 lower at $343.40.

Grain and Soybean futures  futures rose Thursday with apparent short covering, as well as optimism tied to government chatter about trade talks with China.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 9¢ higher.

Cattle futures were firm in the deferred contracts Wednesday but weak up front with pressure from lower cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 60¢ higher, except for an average of 38¢ lower in the front two contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were mixed, from an average of $1.02 lower in the front five contracts to an average of $1.16 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light to moderate demand in the Southern Plains to light to moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $2-$5 lower at $230/cwt. in Nebraska, where dressed delivered prices are $5 lower at $360.

Last week, FOB live prices were $237/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$237 in Kansas and mostly $232 in the western Corn Belt, where dressed delivered prices were $365.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.56 lower Wednesday afternoon at $368.47/cwt. Select was 36¢ lower at $346.89.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were 12¢ to 13¢ higher.

Cattle futures, especially Feeder Cattle bounced higher Tuesday, supported by likely month-end and quarter-end position squaring and the quarterly Grain Stocks report (see below).

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.38 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.08 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $237/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$237 in Kansas, $232-$235 in Nebraska and mostly $232 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $365.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 35¢ higher Monday afternoon at $371.03/cwt. Select was $1.64 lower at $347.25.

Corn futures wilted beneath harvest pressure and estimates of more than expected quarterly stocks.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat were mostly 8¢ to 11¢ lower. Soybean futures were 9¢ to 11¢ lower.

Cattle futures wandered on both sides of steady on Monday, favoring a slightly softer tone.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 35¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 78¢ lower across a wide range.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $237/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$237 in Kansas, $232-$235 in Nebraska and mostly $232 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $365.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price last week was $4.86 lower at $232.65/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $5.91 lower at $364.97.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 75¢ lower Monday afternoon at $370.68/cwt. Select was $3.55 lower at $348.89.

Corn and Soybean futures trended lower on Monday with harvest pressure.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts,

Corn futures were fractionally lower. Soybean futures were 4¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat were 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Cattle futures mostly firmed on Friday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 92¢ higher, except for 25¢ lower and unchanged in the front two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.68 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of $1.12 lower in the front four contracts to an average of 72¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.65 higher (see below).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light demand in the Texas Panhandle to light on moderate demand in the North, through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $3 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $237/cwt., $3-$5 lower in Kansas, at $235-$237, $3-$4 lower in Nebraska at $232-$235 and $4-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $232. Dressed delivered prices were $5 lower in Nebraska at $365 and $3-$11 lower in the western Corn Belt at $365.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 54¢ lower Friday afternoon at $371.43/cwt. Select was $1.01 lower at $352.44.

Grain futures closed lower Friday. Corn futures closed 1¢ to 3¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat closed 6¢ to 7¢ lower. However, Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Cattle futures softened Wednesday and consolidated with some likely profit taking and waiting for weekly cash fed cattle direction.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.72 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.27 lower, except for 55¢ higher in spot Sep.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all regions, through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $240/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $236-$238 in Nebraska and $236-$237 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $370 in Nebraska and $368-$376 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.41 lower Wednesday afternoon at $377.39/cwt. Select was $3.48 lower at $356.42.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Wednesday.

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 3¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed mainly higher Tuesday with follow-through support from the previous day’s New World screwworm news.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were mixed from an average of 98¢ lower in the front four contracts to an average of $1.08 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.94 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all regions, through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $240/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $236-$238 in Nebraska and $236-$237 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $370 in Nebraska and $368-$376 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 59¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $380.80/cwt. Select was $2.19 lower at $359.90.

Soybean futures were firm to higher.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ to 9¢ higher. Soybean futures were fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures stormed higher Monday, fueled by news that New World screwworm was confirmed just about 70 miles south of the U.S. border (see below) and traders thinking it will prevent Mexican cattle imports for even longer. Last week’s Cattle on Feed report may have provided some added lift.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $3.75 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $8.01 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all regions, through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were steady in the Southern Plains at $240/cwt., $2-$4 lower in Nebraska at $236-$238 and $3-$4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $236-$237. Dressed delivered prices were $5-$8 lower in Nebraska at $370 and $2 to $7 lower in the western Corn Belt at $368-$376.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $1.82 lower at $237.51. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $5.27 lower at $370.88.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 66¢ lower Monday afternoon at $381.39/cwt. Select was $2.17 higher at $362.09.

Soybean futures led the grain complex lower again Monday, pressured by Argentina lowering its export tax for a time.

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were 13¢ to 14¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed higher for a consecutive second session, and for the week, helped along by stronger outside markets and ongoing bullish fundamentals.

Live cattle futures were an average of $1.18 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.44 higher. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.92 higher and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $6.64 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in the Southern Plains to limited on moderate demand in the North, through Fridy afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were a few live FOB trades in Nebraska at $237/cwt. and a few in the western Corn Belt at $236.

For the week, FOB live prices were steady in Kansas at $240, mostly $2-$4 lower in Nebraska at $236-$238 and mostly $3-$4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $236-$237. Dressed delivered prices were $5-$8 lower in Nebraska at $370.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $240 in the Texas Panhandle and dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt were $375-$378.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.76 lower Friday afternoon at $382.05/cwt. Select was $1.39 lower at $359.92.

Total estimated cattle slaughter last week of 552,000 head was 13,000 head fewer than the previous week and 62,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 21.1 million head was 1.6 million head fewer (-7.1%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated total beef production of 18.3 billion pounds was 824.9 million pounds less (-4.3%).

Soybean futures led the grain complex lower Friday, with none of the hoped for mention in trade talks with China.

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Soybean futures were mostly 9¢ to 12¢ lower. Corn futures were mostly fractionally lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures regained some footing Thursday with some likely positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report. Depending on who you follow, August placements are estimated to be nearly 9% less year over year with August marketing down about 13% and the Sept. 1 cattle on feed inventory down nearly 1%.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.53 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.10 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand in the Texas Panhandle to light on moderate demand in the North, through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Dressed delivered prices were $5-$8 lower in Nebraska at $370/cwt. FOB live prices there last week were mostly $240.

In the western Corn Belt, FOB live prices were steady to $3 lower at $237. Dressed delivered prices in the region last week were $375-$378.

Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades in Kansas at $240. Prices in the Southern Plains last week were $240.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.37 lower Thursday afternoon at $385.81/cwt. Select was $5.06 lower at $361.31.

Grain and Soybean futures continued lower Thursday with harvest pressure, farmer selling and profit taking. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued lower Wednesday, hampered by wariness ahead of the Fed’s interest rate announcement and swift declines in wholesale beef prices.

Negotiated cash fed trade cattle was limited on moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades at $238-$239/cwt. Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were mainly $240/cwt. in all regions. Dressed delivered prices were $375-$378.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.44 lower Wednesday afternoon at $388.18/cwt. Select was $6.80 lower at $366.37.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.04 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.51 lower.

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower with likely increased farmer selling. 

Cattle futures gave back some of the previous session’s gains with declining wholesale beef prices and the outlook for perhaps lower cash fed cattle trade again this week. Pressure may have also included USDA confirmation the previous day of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a Nebraska dairy cattle herd.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 58¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.16 lower, except for 17¢ higher in near Oct.

Negotiated cash fed cattle was inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mainly $240/cwt. in all regions. Dressed delivered prices were $375-$378.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.91 lower Tuesday afternoon at $392.62/cwt. Select was $5.63 lower at $373.17.

Grain and Soybean futures bounced higher Tuesday, helped by reports of lower corn and soybean yields and the lower U.S. Dollar. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ higher. Soybean futures were 6¢ higher.

Cattle futures climbed back Monday as funds appeared to retrench following last week’s losses.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $4.42 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $6.81 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mainly $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $240/cwt. and $2-$3 lower in the North at $240. Dressed delivered trade was $5-$8 lower at $375-$378.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $3.22 lower at $239.33/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $7.00 lower at $376.15.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.51 lower Monday afternoon at $398.53/cwt. Select however, was 36¢ higher at $378.80.

Turning to grain complex, futures turned lower on likely profit taking from the previous session’s gains. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were unchanged to fractionally lower. Soybean futures were mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower.

Cattle futures regained some ground Thursday. Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.17 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.03 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. So far this week, FOB live prices are $3-$4 lower at $238-$240/cwt. and dressed delivered prices are $8 lower at $375.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand.

FOB live prices this week are mainly $2-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $240. Dressed delivered prices in the region last week were $383.

Last week, FOB live prices were $242 in the Texas Panhandle and $242-$243 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.85 lower Thursday afternoon at $400.79. Select was $3.73 lower at $379.95.

Grain and Soybean futures bounced back Thursday, ahead of Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were mostly 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 7¢ to 8¢ higher.

Live Cattle futures firmed and clawed higher Wednesday, while all but the front months drifted lower in Feeder Cattle.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.21 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.40 lower, except for an average of $1.06 higher in the front two contracts.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light demand in the Southern Plains to limited on moderate demand in the North through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices are mostly $2-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $240/cwt. and dressed delivered prices are $8 lower in Nebraska at $375.

Last week, FOB live prices were $242/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $242-$243 in Kansas and Nebraska. Dressed delivered prices were mainly $383 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.03 lower Wednesday afternoon at $405.64. Select was $3.28 lower at $383.68.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower again Wednesday with likely continued positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower, except for 2¢ higher in waning spot Sep. Soybean futures were mostly 5¢ to 6¢ lower.

Cattle futures plunged Tuesday with technical correction, exaggerated by apparent fund selling and wariness over seasonal pressure on cash fed cattle prices and wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $5.93 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were limit down $9.25, except for $7.80 lower in the back contract.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light demand in the Southern Plains to limited on light to moderate demand in the North through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early dressed delivered trades in the North at $375-$382 and a few FOB live sales in the western Corn Belt at $237-$239.

Last week, FOB live prices were $242/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $242-$243 in the other regions. Dressed delivered prices were mainly $383.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.02 lower Tuesday afternoon at $407.67. Select was $1.62 higher at $386.96.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday with likely profit taking and position squaring ahead of Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 7¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower.

Cattle futures were mostly higher Monday but hesitantly.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 58¢ higher, except for 22¢ lower in spot Oct. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 98¢ higher, except for 65¢ lower in away Sep.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $242/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $242-$243 in the other regions. Dressed delivered prices were mainly $383.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $1.05 less at $242.55/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $2.50 less at $383.15.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.07 lower Monday afternoon at $409.69. Select was 15¢ lower at $385.34.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Monday with likely short covering and positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 11¢ higher. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 7¢ higher.

Cattle futures were softer again Friday with pressure from declining wholesale beef values and lower outside markets.

Live cattle futures closed an average of $1.26 lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.34 lower, except for unchanged in spot Sep.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.60 lower and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $5.80 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on moderate demand in the Southern Plains to limited on moderate demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were steady in the Texas Panhandle at $242/cwt., steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $242-$243 and $2-$3 lower in the North at $242-$243. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $2 lower at mainly $383.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.45 lower Friday afternoon at $410.76. Select was $2.58 lower at $385.19. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $4.65 lower and Select was $4.81 lower.

 Total cattle slaughter during the holiday-shortened week of 487,000 head was 78,000 head fewer than the previous week and 61,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Total year-to-date cattle slaughter of 19.9 million head was 1.5 million head fewer (-7.0%) than the same time last year. Total year-to-date beef production of 17.4 billion pounds was 747.7 million pounds less (-4.1%).

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Friday with 

Corn futures unchanged to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 1¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 3¢ to 6¢ lower through Sep ’26 and then 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures were mixed Tuesday after a strong start with likely pressure from more bearish outside markets.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 10¢ lower in six contracts to an average of 14¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were mixed, from an average of 85¢ lower in four contracts to an average of $1.57 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $242.00/cwt. and steady in the North at $245. Dressed delivered prices were steady at mainly $385.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price was 65¢ less week to week at $243.60/cwt. The dressed delivered fed steer price was 52¢ lower at $385.65.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.99 lower Tuesday afternoon at $413.42. Select was $3.83 lower at $386.17.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Tuesday. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 5¢ higher on yield pressure. Trade uncertainty helped pressure Kansas City Wheat futures 8¢ to 9¢ lower and Soybean futures 11¢ to 14¢ lower.

Cattle futures regained the previous session’s losses and more on Friday as traders retrenched for the beginning of a new month.

Live cattle futures were an average of $2.70 higher and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.89 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.61 higher and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.23 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska to mostly inactive on moderate demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $242.00/cwt. and steady in the North at $245. Dressed delivered prices were steady at mainly $385.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.00 higher Friday afternoon at $415.41. Select was $4.16 higher at $390.00. Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was $7.50 higher and Select was $6.34 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 565,000 head was 14,000 head more than the previous week but 52,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated total year-to-date cattle slaughter of 19.5 million head was 1.4 million head fewer (-6.9%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 16.9 billion pounds was 707 million pounds less (-4.0%).

Cattle futures closed lower Thursday with likely profit taking ahead of the long weekend.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.03 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.87 lower, except for 55¢ higher in expiring Aug.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $2 higher at $242/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand. Last week, FOB live prices were $240 in the Texas Panhandle and $245 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $385-$392 in Nebraska and $385-$390 in the western Corn Belt on a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.57 higher Thursday afternoon at $414.41. Select was $1.87 lower at $385.84.

Weekly net U.S. beef sales for 2025 the week ending Aug. 21 of 13,600 metric tons were 34% more than the previous week and 40% more than the prior four-week average. Increases were primarily for Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico and Taiwan.

Grain and Soybean futures strengthened Thursday on likely month-end short covering. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures fractionally mixed to 2¢ higher.

Cattle futures continued to push higher Wednesday. As the week wears on there is likely to be some profit taking ahead of the long weekend.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 70¢ higher, except for 17¢ lower in waning spot Aug.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 96¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand in Kansas to mostly inactive on light to moderate demand elsewhere through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were some early live FOB trades in Kansas at $242/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $240 in the Southern Plains and $245 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $385-$392 in Nebraska and $385-$390 in the western Corn Belt on a light test.

Wholesale beef prices softened a touch. Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.33 lower Wednesday afternoon at $411.84. Select was $3.05 lower at $387.71.

Grain and Soybean futures settled lower Wednesday. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures rebounded and gained on bullish fundamentals Tuesday, following the previous session’s volatility tied to news of New World screwworm confirmed in a U.S. resident, who was infected while traveling in South America.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.57 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.81 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $240/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $245 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $385-$392 in Nebraska and $385-$390 in the western Corn Belt on a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.68 higher Tuesday afternoon at $413.17. Select was $5.38 higher at $390.76.

Turning to the grain complex, Grain and Soybean futures were mixed again Tuesday.  

Toward the close and through Jly contracts,

Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower, pressured by chart resistance.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower with weight including harvest pressure and global supplies.

Soybean futures were fractionally higher to 3¢ higher.

Cattle futures gapped lower on the open Monday, pressured by Friday’s Cattle on Feed report and Headlines about a human case of New World screwworm being confirmed in the U.S. (see below). However, Cattle futures recovered much of the lost ground by the end of the session.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 63¢ lower in four contracts to an average of 61¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 79¢ lower, except for $1.05 higher in spot Aug.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in  all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $5 higher in the Southern Plains at $240/cwt., steady to $2 higher in Nebraska at $245 and steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $245. Dressed delivered prices were $5-$7 higher in Nebraska at $385-$392 and $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $385-$390 in a light test.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price last week was $2.24 higher at $244.25. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $3.39 higher at $386.17.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 58¢ higher Monday afternoon at $408.49. Select was $1.72 higher at $385.38.

Turning to the grain complex, Grain Corn and Soybean futures were mixed on Monday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts,

Corn futures were 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 3¢ to 11¢ lower with some likely profit taking.

Cattle futures surged higher Friday, supported by strong fundamentals and perhaps receiving a boost from stronger outside markets.

Live cattle futures were an average of $1.73 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.18 higher. Week to week on Friday, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $16.86 higher and Live Cattle were an average of $7.01 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on moderate demand in the North to moderate on moderate to good demand in the Texas Panhandle through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were mostly $5 higher in the Southern Plains at $240/cwt., steady to $2 higher in Nebraska at $245 and steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $245. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $5-$7 higher at $385-$392.

Dressed delivered prices the previous week were $380-$385 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 5¢ higher Friday afternoon at $407.91. Select was 6¢ higher at $383.66. Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was $7.34 higher and Select was $12.90.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 547,000 head was 17,000 head more than the previous week but 62,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated total year-to-date cattle slaughter of 18.9 million head was 1.4 million head fewer (-6.9%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 16.4 billion pounds was 679.9 million pounds less (-4.0%).

Cattle futures traded both sides of steady through Thursday but were mainly higher toward the close.

Live cattle futures were an average of 58¢ higher, except for unchanged and 7¢ lower in the front two contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 87¢ higher.

Keep in mind that USDA will release the monthly Cattle on Feed report Friday afternoon. Depending on who you follow, average analyst estimates peg July feedlot placements at almost 9% less year over year, July marketings at about 6% less and cattle on feed Aug. 1 at 2% less.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light to moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle to light to moderate on moderate to good demand in the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are steady to $2 higher in Nebraska at $245/cwt. and steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $245. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska are $5-$7 higher at $385-$392.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235 in Kansas, and dressed delivered prices were $380-$385 in the western Corn Belt. The previous week, FOB live prices were $235 in the Texas Panhandle.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.01 higher Thursday afternoon at $407.86. Select was 44¢ higher at $383.60.

Weekly net U.S. beef export sales of 10,100 metric tons for 2025 were also supportive. They were up noticeably from the previous week, but down 11% from the prior four-week average, according to USDA’s weekly export report for the week ending Aug. 14. Increases were primarily for Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Mexico.

Grain and Soybean futures strengthened Thursday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 7¢ to 8¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher. And, Soybean futures were 12¢ to 19¢ higher, supported by a rebound in bean oil prices.

Stronger cash fed cattle prices and the recent surge in wholesale beef value helped drive Cattle futures higher on Wednesday.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.92 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.97 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were steady to $2 higher at $245/cwt. Dressed delivered prices were $5-$7 higher at $385-$392.

Trade in the western Corn Belt was light on moderate to good demand. FOB live prices were steady to $5 higher at $245. Dressed delivered prices there last week were $380-$385.

In the Southern Plains, trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand. FOB live prices in Kansas last week were $235, the same as in the Texas Panhandle the previous week.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.35 lower Wednesday afternoon at $405.85. Select was $3.40 higher at $383.16.

Grain and Soybean futures were narrowly mixed Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly fractionally mixed. Soybean futures were 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures continued mostly higher Tuesday with continued power from fundamental strength.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 73¢ higher (5¢ to $1.55 higher), except for 42¢ lower in spot Aug. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.49 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235/cwt. in Kansas, $243-$245 in Nebraska and $240-$245 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $380-$385. The previous week, FOB live prices in the Texas Panhandle were $235.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.96 higher Tuesday afternoon at $407.20. Select was $2.62 higher at $379.76.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday, pressured by yields estimated in early crop tours and favorable crop progress.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 7¢ lower. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 8¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed higher again Monday with follow-through support from the previous session and surging wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.31 higher (15¢ to $1.82 higher). Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.97 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were steady in Kansas at $235/cwt., steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at $243-$245/cwt. and steady in the western Corn Belt at $240-$245. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $2 higher in at $380-$385. The previous week, FOB live prices were $235 in the Texas Panhandle.

Wholesale beef prices continued to press higher Monday, helped along by packers restricted production. Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.67 higher Monday afternoon at $404.24. Select was $6.38 higher at $377.14.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Monday. Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower.  

Cattle futures closed higher Friday on stronger wholesale beef values and the fact that USDA’s New World Screwworm update the previous day did not include reopening the U.S. border to Mexican cattle, as some had feared.

Live cattle futures closed an average of $3.43 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.53 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of $3.63 higher and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.96 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly limited on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at $243-$245/cwt. and steady in the western Corn Belt at $240-$245. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $2 higher in Nebraska at $380-$385.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $235 in the Southern Plains. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt were $378-$385 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.78 higher Friday afternoon at $400.57. Select was $3.88 higher at $370.76. Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was $21.73 higher and Select was $15.67 higher (see below).

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 530,000 head was 6,000 head fewer than the previous week and 75,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 18.3 million head was 1.3 million head fewer (-6.8%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 15.9 billion pounds was 635.1 million pounds less (-3.8%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Friday, building on the rally after the early-week drop tied to the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures closed mostly 5¢ to 8¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 3¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 14¢ higher through Sep ’26 and then 7¢ to 8¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed sharply lower Friday on likely profit taking, week-end positioning and lack of weekly cash fed cattle direction. However, they still posted strong weekly gains.

Live cattle futures closed an average of $5.10 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed mostly limit down, an average of $9.20 lower. However, week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.78 higher and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $7.36 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on moderate demand in the Southern Plains to moderate on moderate demand in the North through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades at $245/cwt. in Nebraska and $240-$242 in the western Corn Belt with some up to $245. There were also some dressed delivered trades in Nebraska at $378-$385.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $235/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$236 in Kansas, $245-$247 in Nebraska and mostly $245 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $383.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 10¢ lower Friday afternoon at $378.84. Select was $1.34 higher at $355.09.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 536,000 head was 1,000 head more than the previous week but 52,000 head less than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 17.8 million head was 1.3 million head less (-6.6%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 15.5 billion pounds was 580.6 million pounds less (-3.6%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower Friday with the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates looming Tuesday and speculation about how much USDA might increase estimated yields.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 7¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued higher yet again Thursday, riding the same bullish fundamentals.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $3.32 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.95 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$236 in Kansas, $245-$247 in Nebraska and mostly $245 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $383.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.08 higher Thursday afternoon at $379.94. Select was $2.39 higher at $353.75.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Thursday, perhaps buoyed by some bottom picking.

Toward the close and through Jly contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 10¢ higher. Soybean futures were 8¢ to 10¢ higher.

Cattle futures powered upward Wednesday, helped along by another bounce in wholesale beef values and growing expectations of steady to higher cash fed cattle trade again this week.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.04 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.91 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$236 in Kansas, $245-$247 in Nebraska and mostly $245 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $383.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.92 higher Wednesday afternoon at $374.86. Select was $5.42 higher at $351.36.

Turning toward the gain complex,

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were another 3¢ to 5¢ lower as traders bet on a behemoth crop. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 7¢ higher. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 7¢ lower.

Cattle futures charged higher Tuesday, helped along by last week’s record-high cash fed cattle prices and resurgent wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $3.29 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.65 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $235-$236 in Kansas, $245-$247 in Nebraska and mostly $245 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $383.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.15 higher Tuesday afternoon at $369.94. Select was $4.35 higher at $345.94.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday on likely bumper yields and international demand concerns.  

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ to 11¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures extended gains Monday, helped along by last week’s stronger negotiated cash fed cattle prices and thoughts that wholesale beef values may have established the seasonal bottom.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 52¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 78¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $3-$5 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $235/cwt., $4-$5 higher in Kansas at $235-$236, $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $245-$247 and mostly $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $245. Dressed delivered prices were $3-$5 higher in Nebraska at $383-$385 and $3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $380.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price was $3.79 higher at $243.17. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $4.18 higher at $383.68.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.10 higher Monday afternoon at $364.32. Select was $1.09 higher at $341.59.

Turning to the grain complex, Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Soybean futures were 5¢ higher.

Cattle futures bounced back Friday after the previous session’s sharp decline and despite bearish outside markets.

Live cattle futures closed an average of 98¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.59 higher.

Cattle futures were mostly higher week to week on Friday, which says plenty when considering the sharp downward correction on Thursday. Except for $3.65 higher in spot Aug. and 30¢ lower at the back, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 47¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 86¢ higher (20¢ higher at the back to $2.80 higher at the front).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Trade was light on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt and moderate on moderate demand elsewhere.

For the week, FOB live prices were $3-$5 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $235/cwt., $4-$5 higher in Kansas at $235-$236, $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $245-$247 and mostly $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $245. Dressed delivered prices were $3 higher at $383.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.90 higher Friday afternoon at $363.22. Select was 87¢ lower at $340.50. Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.46 lower and Select was $4.37 lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter of 535,000 head least week was 14,000 head fewer than the previous week. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 17.3 million head was 1.2 million head fewer (-6.6%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 15 billion pounds was 549 million pounds less (-3.5%).

Turning to the grain complex, ongoing favorable weather and growing prospects of monster crops pressured Corn futures 2¢ to 4¢ lower through new-crop contracts on Friday. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were unchanged to 1¢ higher through new-crop contracts and then 2¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed sharply lower Thursday with likely profit taking, month-end position squaring and technical wariness over the impact of steeper U.S. tariffs on Brazilian beef imports.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $4.68 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $8.59 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on moderate demand in Nebraska through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were some early dressed delivered prices $3 higher at $383/cwt. FOB live prices there last week were $242-$245.

Trade was limited on moderate demand in Kansas. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live sales at $235/cwt. Prices last week were $230-$232.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were $230-$232/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and mostly $240 in the western Corn Belt where dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 67¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $361.32. Select was 46¢ higher at $341.37.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday.  

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued to grind higher Wednesday on bullish supply and demand fundamentals.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.06 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.74 higher. So far this week, Live Cattle futures are $4.80 higher and Feeder Cattle futures are $7.77 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on moderate demand in Kansas through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live sales at $235/cwt. Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were $230-$232/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $242-$245 in Nebraska and mostly $240 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.20 lower Wednesday afternoon at $361.99. Select was $1.57 lower at $340.91.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Wednesday.  

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts,

Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher on likely short covering. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were mainly 13¢ to 14¢ lower with pressure including demand concerns.

Cattle futures were higher Friday ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed and semiannual Cattle inventory reports.

Live cattle futures were an average of 67¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.08 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were $3.80 higher and Feeder Cattle futures were $8.34 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand in the Southern Plains to light on moderate demand in the North through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

There were too few trades to establish a trend in any region, however there were some early FOB live trades at $230-$237.50/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $240-$242 in the North where early dressed delivered prices were $375-$380.

Last week, FOB live prices were $230/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $230-$231 in Kansas and $240 in the North where dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.41 lower Friday afternoon at $366.68. Select was $2.13 lower at $344.87. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $6.87 lower and Select was $6.62 lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 549,000 head was 14,000 head fewer than the previous week and 56,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 16.7 million head was 1.2 million head less (-6.5%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 14.6 billion pounds was 513.2 million pounds less (-3.4%).

Grain futures were lower Friday beneath the ongoing weight of positive crop progress and weather.  

Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 1¢ lower. Soybean futures were mainly 1¢ to 3¢ lower.

Cattle futures were lower Thursday on likely profit taking and positioning ahead of Friday’s Cattle on Feed and Cattle inventory reports.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 84¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.39 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live sales at $231/cwt. Elsewhere, trade was inactive on moderate demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were $230/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $230-$231 in Kansas and $240 in the North where dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 57¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $368.09. Select was $1.61 higher at $347.00.

Grain futures were higher Thursday but continue to be capped by positive crop progress and weather.  

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were mainly 1¢ to 3¢ higher.

Cattle futures gapped higher Wednesday, supported by outside markets and perhaps some early positioning ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed and semiannual Cattle inventory reports due out Friday.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.25 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.39 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $230/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $230-$231 in Kansas and $240 in the North where dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.98 lower Wednesday afternoon at $367.52. Select was $2.55 lower at $345.39.

Grain futures were lower Wednesday with the improving weather outlook.

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ to 9¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 4¢ lower.

Cattle futures moved higher Tuesday, except for slightly lower in nearby Live Cattle contracts.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 50¢ higher, except for an average of 37¢ lower in the front three contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.16 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $230/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $230-$231 in Kansas and $240 in the North where dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 43¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $372.50. Select was $2.11 lower at $347.94.

Grain futures were mixed Tuesday with Corn and Soybeans down on crop ratings and an improved weather outlook.

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 8¢ higher. Soybean futures were unchanged to 3¢ lower.

Cattle futures gained ground Monday, buoyed by the Live Cattle discount to cash, as well as ongoing strong cash demand for feeder cattle.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.92 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.76 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $230/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $230-$231 in Kansas and $240 in the North where dressed delivered prices were $380.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price last week was 57¢ higher at 237.78/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was 15¢ higher at $379.36.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.48 lower Monday afternoon at $372.07. Select was $1.44 lower at $350.05.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Monday, pressured by likely profit taking.

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 12¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed lower Friday with likely week-end profit taking.

Live cattle futures closed an average of 72¢ lower (12¢ lower in spot Aug to $1.00 lower). Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.39 lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 77¢ higher (12¢ higher toward the front to $1.45 higher toward the back).

Feeder Cattle futures closed mixed week to week on Friday, from an average of 96¢ lower in the front four contracts to an average of $1.62 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive in the Southern Plains to light on moderate demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were steady to $2 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $230/cwt., steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $230-$231, steady to $1 lower in Nebraska at $240 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $240. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 27¢ higher Friday afternoon at $373.55. Select was $2.35 lower at $351.49. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $5.09 lower and Select was $15 lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 563,000 head was 5,000 head fewer than the previous week and 26,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 16.2 million head was 1.1 million head fewer (-6.4%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 14.1 billion pounds was 480 million pounds less (-3.3%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Friday, buoyed by likely technical buying and the hotter weather outlook.

Corn futures closed 6¢ higher through Jly ’26 and then fractionally higher to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 10¢ to 11¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 6¢ to 9¢ higher.

Cattle futures wobbled Thursday, awaiting the week’s cash fed cattle direction while wholesale beef values continue their seasonal decline.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 48¢ lower, except for 2¢ higher in the back contract.  Feeder Cattle futures were mixed, from unchanged to an average of 34¢ lower in the front four contracts and then an average of 92¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle to limited on moderate demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades in Kansas at $231/cwt. Last week, FOB live prices were $228-$230 in the Texas Panhandle and mostly $230 in Kansas.

In the North, trade was light on moderate demand.

There were some early dressed delivered sales in Nebraska at steady money of $380. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades $1-$2 higher at $242.

In the western Corn Belt, early live FOB trades were unevenly steady at $237-$240. Although too few to trend, there were some early dressed delivered sales, Steady at $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 43¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $373.28. Select was $4.07 lower at $353.84.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday.

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower with an apparent pause in short covering after recent weather premiums. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 8¢ higher.

Cattle futures extended gains Wednesday, supported by supply fundamentals and the cash premium to Live Cattle futures.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.47 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.56 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $228-$230/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, mostly $230 in Kansas, $240-$241 in Nebraska and mostly $240 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.87 lower Wednesday afternoon at $372.85. Select was $4.67 lower at $357.91.

Corn and Soybean futures gained Wednesday with support appearing to include weather premium on the outlook for elevated temperatures.

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were mostly 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher. Soybean futures were 15¢ to 18¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed higher Tuesday as traders retrenched with expectations of cash fed cattle prices at least mirroring last week’s hefty gains.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.25 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.79 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $228-$230/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, mostly $230 in Kansas, $240-$241 in Nebraska and mostly $240 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 65¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $377.72. Select was $2.00 lower at $362.58.

Apparent continued short covering helped Corn futures firm Tuesday while improved crop conditions weighed on Soybean futures (see below).

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were unchanged to fractionally mixed. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 6¢ lower.

Cattle futures reversed Monday on likely profit taking from last week’s heady gains as traders await this week’s cash fed cattle direction and eye seasonally slumping wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.92 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.82 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $4-$6 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $228-$230/cwt., mostly $5 higher in Kansas at mainly $230, $9-$10 higher in Nebraska at $240-$241 and mostly $6-$10 higher in the western Corn Belt at mainly $240. Dressed delivered prices were $12 higher at $380.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price was $7.78 higher at $237.21/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $9.91 higher at $379.21.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.57 lower Monday afternoon at $377.07. Select was $1.91 lower at $364.58.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 9¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ lower to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly unchanged to 7¢ lower.  

Cattle futures strengthened Friday on the back of the week’s sharply higher fed cattle prices.

Live cattle futures closed an average of $2.06 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.42 higher.

From Monday through Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $5.51 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $10.72 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand to moderate-to-heavy on good demand through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $4 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $228/cwt., $4-$5 higher in Kansas at $228-$230, $8-$10 higher in Nebraska at $240 and $5-$6 higher in the western Corn Belt at $235-$240. Dressed delivered prices were $12 higher at $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.02 lower Friday afternoon at $378.64. Select was $4.37 lower at $366.49.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 568,000 head was 94,000 head more than the previous week but 37,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 15.6. million head was 1.1 million head fewer (-6.5%) than the same period a year ago. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 13.6 billion pounds was 473.6 million pounds less (-3.4%).

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Friday.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower, despite lower estimated stocks in the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below) with traders apparently banking on yields higher than current USDA estimates.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed 8¢ to 10¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 4¢ to 8¢ lower.

Cattle futures were mixed to higher Thursday with Feeder Cattle receiving additional support from reclosure of the southern border to Mexican cattle imports due to New World screwworm.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were mixed, from an average of 45¢ lower to an average of 24¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.02 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt to mostly inactive on moderate demand elsewhere through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades in the western Corn Belt at $235/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $224/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $224-$225 in Kansas, $230-$232 in Nebraska and $230-$234 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $368.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.79 lower Thursday afternoon at $384.66. Select was $2.41 lower at $370.86.

Grain and Soybean futures firmed Thursday with likely short covering ahead of Friday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 4¢ lower to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 3¢ to 7¢ higher.  

Cattle futures continued mainly higher Wednesday, with positive outside markets and growing optimism about cash fed cattle prices this week.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.06 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.60 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $224/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $224-$225 in Kansas, $230-$232 in Nebraska and $230-$234 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $368.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.59 lower Wednesday afternoon at $386.45. Select was $5.19 lower at $373.27.

Grain futures firmed Wednesday on likely short covering, while Soybean futures kept searching for a bottom.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures unchanged to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 5¢ to 13¢ lower.

Cattle futures bounced higher Monday, supported by another day of lower Corn futures, the post-holiday bounce in wholesale beef values and thoughts that cash fed cattle prices could improve this week.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.40 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.04 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $224/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $224-$225 in Kansas, $230-$232 in Nebraska and $230-$234 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $368.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.06 higher Tuesday afternoon at $393.04. Select was 93¢ higher at $378.46.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower again Tuesday, pressured once more by favorable weather and trade uncertainty.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 10¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed higher Monday, buoyed by firmer cash fed cattle prices as last week progressed and by sharply lower Corn futures.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.70 higher (62¢ higher at the back to $2.20 higher). Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.46 higher (72¢ higher in the back contract to $4.57 higher toward the front).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mainly steady in the Texas Panhandle at $224/cwt., steady to $1 lower in Kansas at $224-$225, steady in Nebraska at $230-$232 and unevenly steady in the western Corn Belt at $230-$234. Dressed delivered prices were steady in Nebraska at $368 and steady to $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $368 in a light test.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB fed steer price last week was just 8¢ lower at $229.43/cwt. The dressed delivered fed steer price was 22¢ lower at $369.30.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.23 higher Monday afternoon at $390.98. Select was 91¢ lower at $377.53.

Estimated total cattle slaughter of 474,000 head was 47,000 head fewer than the same week a year ago. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 15.1 million head was 1 million head fewer (-6.5%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 13.1 billion pounds was 456.4 million pounds less (-3.4%).

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Monday, pressured by favorable weather and trade uncertainty.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were mainly 11¢ to 16¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 7¢ to 13¢ lower. Soybean futures were 19¢ to 28¢ lower.

Cattle closed mainly higher Thursday, supported by another day of bullish outside markets.

Live cattle futures closed an average of 90¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 52¢ higher, except for an average of 6¢ lower in the back two contracts. From last Thursday to the previous Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.06 higher and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 88¢ higher, except for 27¢ lower in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were mainly steady in the Texas Panhandle at $224/cwt., mostly $1 lower in Kansas at $224, steady in Nebraska at $230-$232 and unevenly steady in the western Corn Belt at $230-$233. Dressed delivered prices were steady in Nebraska at $368. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were $368-$370.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.11 lower Thursday afternoon at $389.75. Select was $1.87 lower at $378.44.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday.

Corn futures closed mainly 1¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 5¢ higher.

Cattle futures bounced back Wednesday and recovered about half of the previous session’s losses which were tied to the kneejerk reaction to USDA’s announced plans to begin reopening the Mexican border to cattle imports as soon as next week.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.58 higher.  Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.50 higher, except for $2.05 lower in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on moderate demand in the north through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at mostly $230/cwt. and $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $230. Dressed delivered prices last week were mostly $368 in Nebraska and $368-$370 in the western Corn Belt.

Elsewhere, trade was inactive on light demand. FOB live prices last week were $223-$225/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $222-$225 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 74¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $394.86. Select was 25¢ higher at $380.31.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Wednesday with likely short covering and positioning ahead of the holiday weekend, also supported by positive trade news, given the U.S. deal with Vietnam.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 10¢ to 12¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 9¢ to 12¢ higher. Soybean futures were 17¢ to 25¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed sharply lower Tuesday in response to USDA’s announced plans to begin reopening the Mexican border to cattle imports as soon as next week.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.50 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.73 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $223-$225/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $222-$225 in Kansas, $230-$232 in Nebraska  and $230-$233.50 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $368 in Nebraska and $368-$370 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 4¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $395.60. Select was $4.04 lower at $380.06.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 3¢ lower, pressured by crop progress and weather. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ higher on short covering. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally higher.

Cattle futures built on the previous session’s gains Monday, supported once again by stronger outside markets and stronger cash fed cattle prices at the end of last week.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.04 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.34 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $3-$5 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $223-225/cwt., $3-$6 lower in Kansas at $222-$225, $5 lower in Nebraska at $230-$232 and $3-$6 lower in the western Corn Belt at $230-233.50. Dressed delivered prices were mainly $8 lower in Nebraska at mostly $368 (a few up to $373.50) and $6-$8 lower in the western Corn Belt at $368-$370.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price was $5.37 lower last week at $229.51. The weighted averaged dressed delivered fed steer price was $7.05 lower at $369.52.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 93¢ lower Monday afternoon at $395.56. Select was $1.17 higher at $384.10.

Grain futures were lower Monday with none of the hoped-for support from the Acreage and Grain Stocks reports.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ lower after 3¢ higher in spot Jly. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 10¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher after 2¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Cattle futures closed higher Friday, supported by stronger outside markets and resilient Choice wholesale beef values.

Live cattle futures were an average of $2.55 higher ($1.45 higher at the back to $4.10 higher toward the front). Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.04 higher. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.12 higher and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.97 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light to moderate in the western Corn Belt to light on moderate demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $3-$5 lower in the Southern Plains at $223-225/cwt., $5-$7 lower in Nebraska at $230 and $3-$6 lower in the western Corn Belt at $230-233. Dressed delivered prices were $8 lower in Nebraska at $368 (a few up to $373.50) and $6-$8 lower in the western Corn Belt at $368-$370.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.44 higher Friday afternoon at $396.49. Select was $3.19 higher at $382.93.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 560,000 head was the same as the previous week but 50,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 14.6 million head was 998,000 head fewer (-6.4%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 12.7 billion pounds was 424 million pounds less (-3.2%) than the same time last year.

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Friday with short covering and likely positioning ahead of Monday’s Acreage and Grain Stocks reports.

Corn futures were 4¢ to 7¢ higher through new-crop contracts and then 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ lower to fractionally higher through May ’26 and then 1¢ to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 6¢ to 8¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on moderate demand in Nebraska and limited on light demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades in Nebraska at $230/cwt. and a few in Kansas at $223-$225.

Last week, FOB live prices were $228 in the Southern Plains, $235-$237 in Nebraska and $235-$238 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $376.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 11¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $395.05. Select was $3.45 higher at $379.74.

Cattle futures continued to mainly hover Thursday.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 13¢ lower except for 32¢ higher in near Aug. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 55¢ higher.

Grain and Soybean futures continued to dredge lower Thursday with follow-through bearishness and likely trepidation over next Monday’s Acreage and Grain Stocks reports.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 3¢ lower.

Cattle futures eased mainly lower again Wednesday as traders awaited direction from weekly cash fed cattle trade.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 53¢ lower except for 37¢ higher toward the back.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 64¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Based on the latest established trade, FOB live prices last week were $228/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $235-$237 in Nebraska and $235-$238 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $376.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 69¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $394.94. Select was $6.12 lower at $376.29.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower again Wednesday with favorable domestic weather and bullish production overseas.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 7¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ to 11¢ lower. Soybean futures were 17¢ to 21¢ lower.

Cattle futures eased mainly lower Tuesday, apparently waiting to see the week’s cash fed cattle direction, despite higher outside markets and a surge in Choice wholesale beef value.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 53¢ lower except for 30¢ higher in near Aug. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 40¢ lower, except for 42¢ higher in Apr.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand in Nebraska to inactive on light demand elsewhere through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, based on the latest established trade, FOB live prices were $7 lower in the Southern Plains at $228/cwt., $5 lower in Nebraska at $235-$237 and $3-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $235-$238. Dressed delivered prices were $4 lower at $376.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.03 higher Tuesday afternoon at $394.25. Select was 69¢ lower at $382.41.

Grain and Soybean futures continued lower Tuesday with weather and another sharp decrease in Crude Oil futures.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 14¢ to 15¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 9¢ to 12¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed mixed but firmer Monday.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were mixed, from an average of 40¢ lower to an average of 28¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 71¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, based on the latest established trade, FOB live prices were $7 lower in the Southern Plains at $228/cwt., $5 lower in Nebraska at $235-$237 and $3-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $235-$238. Dressed delivered prices were $4 lower at $376.

The weekly five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price was $4.03 lower at $234.88. The weekly weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $3.48 lower at $376.57.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 28¢ lower Monday afternoon at $390.22. Select was $6.15 higher at $383.10.

Grain and Soybean futures continued lower Monday with weather and the sharp decrease in Crude Oil futures (see below).

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 7¢ to 10¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 12¢ to 13¢ lower. Soybean futures were 10¢ to 14¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed lower Friday after early support, likely pressured by softer cash fed cattle prices, weaker Choice wholesale beef values and perhaps some positioning ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report (see below).

Live cattle futures were an average of $1.38 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.51 lower. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.00 lower and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.91 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades in the Texas Panhandle at $228/cwt. Prices in the Southern Plains the previous week were $235.

For the week, FOB live prices were $4-$6 lower in Nebraska at $236/cwt. and $3-$4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $236-$238. Dressed delivered prices were $4 lower at $376.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.92 lower Friday afternoon at $390.50. Select was $2.36 higher at $376.95.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 554,000 head was 4,000 head fewer than the previous week and 62,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 14 million head was 955,000 fewer (-6.4%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 12.2 billion pounds was 398.2 million pounds less (-3.2%).

Turning to grains, futures were lower Friday with likely profit taking and favorable precipitation and weather.

Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 5¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 4¢ to 7¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far, this week, FOB live prices are $4-$6 lower in Nebraska at $236/cwt. and $3-$4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $236-$238. Dressed delivered prices are $4 lower at $376.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235.00/cwt. in the Southern Plains.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.92 higher Thursday afternoon at $393.79. Select was $1.85 higher at $374.59.

Futures markets were closed Thursday.

Through midday Friday, Cattle futures were trading higher, supported by strong wholesale beef values and perhaps positioning ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report. Depending on the source, estimates ahead of the report pegged May placements at about 6% less year over year, May marketings at 10% less and the June 1 feedlot inventory at about 1% less.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.57 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of 96¢ higher.

In the grain complex, also through midsession Friday, Corn futures were trading mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower through Jly ’26. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 6¢ lower through Jly ’26.

Cattle futures were mainly firmer Wednesday. Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 66¢ higher, except for an average of 55¢ lower in three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 60¢ higher, except for an average of 95¢ lower in three contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on good demand in the North to mostly inactive elsewhere through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were $4-$6 lower in Nebraska at $236/cwt. and $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $236-$237. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$4 lower in Nebraska at $376-$378 and $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $376.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235.00/cwt. in the Southern Plains.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 22¢ to 23¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ lower.

Cattle futures sold sharply lower Tuesday with technical pressure, more bearish outside markets and worries about the potential impact stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $3.51 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.89 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $235.00/cwt. in the Southern Plains,  $240-$242 in Nebraska and $240-$241 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.40 higher Tuesday afternoon at $386.51. Select was $5.07 higher at $372.54

Grain and Soybean futures were mainly higher Tuesday.

Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher through new-crop contracts.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ lower in spot Jly and then 3¢ to 4¢ higher through near Mar.

Soybean futures were mostly 4¢ to 7¢ higher through near Mar.

Cattle futures closed higher Monday, gaining back much of the lost gains from the previous session, as wholesale beef values increased and outside markets rebounded from skittishness tied to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.72 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.89 higher.

There was no Monday afternoon USDA fed cattle report available at press time. Based on the latest report, FOB live prices last week were $3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $235/cwt., mostly steady in Kansas at mainly $235, steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at $240-$242 and steady to $1 lower in the western Corn Belt at $240-$241. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $380.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was $2.06 higher at $238.68. The dressed delivered steer price was 28¢ lower at 380.06.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.23 higher Monday afternoon at $382.11. Select was $3.97 higher at $367.47.

Turning to row crops, futures were mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 7¢ to 10¢ lower with pressure from recent rains and favorable weather. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ lower.

However, Soybean futures were mostly 6¢ higher, extending gains from Fridays EPA announcement proposing increased Renewable Volume Obligations for biomass-based diesel in the Renewable Fuels Standard.

Cattle futures closed sharply lower Friday, with correction, pressure from lower outside markets and week-end positioning.

Live cattle futures closed an average of $3.10 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.86 lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.28 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.97 lower during the same period.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska to limited on moderate demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $235/cwt., mostly steady in Kansas at mainly $235, steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at $240-$242 and steady to $1 lower in the western Corn Belt at $240-$241. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.16 higher Friday afternoon at $377.88. Select was 43¢ higher at $363.50. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $12.80 higher and Select was $6.77 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 558,000 head was 24,000 head fewer than the previous week and 57,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 13.5 million head was 893,000 head fewer (-6.2%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date beef production of 11.7 billion pounds was 354.5 million pounds less (-2.9%).

Turning to row crops, Soybean futures led the grain complex higher Friday, fueled by the EPA’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations for biomass-based diesel in the Renewable Fuels Standard.

Soybean futures closed mostly 20¢ to 28¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 15¢ to 18¢ higher. Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt to moderate on very good demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were $3-$8 higher in Kansas at $233-$238/cwt.

Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades in the Texas Panhandle at $234-$235. Established trade the previous day of $235 was $3 higher than last week.

Last week, FOB live prices were $24-$244 in Nebraska and $240-$242 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.96 higher Thursday afternoon at $376.72. Select was $2.32 higher at $363.07.

Cattle futures basically hovered Thursday with traders waiting for further cash direction from trade in the North.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 38¢ lower, except for 43¢ higher in spot Jun. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 34¢ lower, except for 10¢ higher in spot Aug.

Turning to the grain complex, futures were mixed Thursday, with little impetus from the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below).

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 1¢ higher, perhaps receiving support from slightly snugger ending stocks projected in the latest WASDE. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 7¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on good demand in the Texas Panhandle through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades at $235/cwt., which was steady with the previous day and $3 higher than last week.

Elsewhere, demand with limited on moderate demand with too few transactions to trend.

Last week, based on the latest established trade, FOB live prices were $235 in Kansas, $242-$244 in Nebraska and $240-$242 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $380.

However, Cattle futures were mostly lower Wednesday, with technical selling tied to concerns about the previous day’s Immigration Control and Enforcement raid on a meat production plant in Omaha, Neb. Futures did manage to recover some early-session losses.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 69¢ lower, except for $1.10 higher in spot Jun. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.57 lower.

Turning to the grain complex, Corn and Soybean futures were lower Wednesday with likely pressure from favorable weather and perhaps some positioning ahead of Thursday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 8¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally mixed to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed mostly higher Tuesday following a downturn earlier in the session tied to reported rumors about an immigration and enforcement raid at a Nebraska packing house.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 49¢ higher, except for an average of 79¢ lower in two nearby contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.88 higher.

The CME Feeder Cattle Index surged $3.58 to $314.04.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were some early live FOB sales in the Texas Panhandle at $235/cwt.

Last week, based on the latest established trade, FOB live prices were $232 in the Texas Panhandle, $235 in Kansas, $242-$244 in Nebraska and $240-$242 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.51 higher Tuesday afternoon at $371.76. Select was 91¢ higher at $359.84.

Turning to the grain complex, Corn and Soybean futures were higher Tuesday after early-session pressure. Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 5¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed mostly higher again Monday with further follow-through support from last week’s surging cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.10 higher (7¢ higher to $3.12 higher in spot Jun), except for an average 15¢ lower in two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 52¢ higher, except 30¢ lower in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, based on the latest established trade, FOB live prices were $9 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $232/cwt., $13 higher in Kansas at $235, $7 higher in Nebraska at $242-$244 and $5-$10 higher in the western Corn Belt at $240-$242. Dressed delivered prices were $10-$15 higher in Nebraska at $380 and $9 higher in the western Corn Belt at $380.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $6.68 higher at $236.62. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $12.28 higher at $380.34.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.17 higher Monday afternoon at $367.25. Select was $2.20 higher at $358.93.

Turning to the grain complex, Grain and Soybean futures were lower Monday with likely pressure from the favorable weather outlook.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 6¢ to 10¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were mixed, from 4¢ lower to 4¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed mostly higher again Friday with follow-through support from the week’s surging cash fed cattle prices.

Live cattle futures closed an average of $1.16 higher (12¢ higher toward the back to $3.40 higher at the front), except for 2¢ lower in away Aug.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 61¢ higher (5¢ higher at the back to $1.00 higher at the front).

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $6.27 higher ($3.15 higher toward the back to $10.82 higher in spot June). Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $9.79 higher ($6.92 higher at the back to $11.42 higher toward the front).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on very good demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few transactions to trend, there were some FOB live trades in the Texas Panhandle at $232/cwt., which was steady with the previous day and $9 higher than the previous week.

FOB live prices in Kansas were $5 higher than Thursday at $235, which was $13 more than the previous week.

In Nebraska, FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher than Thursday at $242-$244, which was $7 higher than the previous week. Dressed delivered prices for the week were $10-$15 higher at $380.

In the western Corn Belt, FOB live prices were $3-$10 higher at $240, while dressed delivered prices were $9 higher at $380.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.77 lower Friday afternoon at $365.08. Select was 12¢higher at $356.73. Week to week on Friday,         Choice was $1.26 lower and Select was 8¢ higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 582,000 head was 105,000 head more than the previous week but 28,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated total year-to-date cattle slaughter of 12.9 million head was 847,000 head fewer (-6.2%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 11.2 billion pounds was 328.2 million pounds less (-2.8%).

Turning to the grain complex, Grain and Soybean futures mostly extended gains Friday with support from announced trade talks between the U.S. and China, and perhaps some inkling of a weather premium.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 5¢ to 7¢ higher. Soybean futures closed mostly 3¢ higher.

Thursday was a banner day for cash fed cattle with active trade and very good demand in all major cattle feeding regions, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Compared to the previous week, FOB live prices were mostly $9 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $232/cwt., $10 higher in Kansas at $232 with some up to $235, $4-$5 higher in Nebraska at $240-$241 and $3-$10 higher in the western Corn Belt at mostly $240. Dressed delivered prices were $10-$15 higher in Nebraska at $380 and $9 higher in the western Corn Belt at $380.

Cattle futures followed surging cash prices higher.

Live cattle futures closed an average of $2.69 higher ($1.30 higher at the back to $4.50 higher at the front).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.91 higher ($2.50 higher at the back to $5.27 higher at the front).

Cattle futures were trading higher again Friday, after earlier mixed trade.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.69 higher Thursday afternoon at $366.85/cwt. Select was 11¢ lower at $356.61.

Turning to the grain complex, Grain and Soybean futures were higher Thursday.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 2¢ to 3¢ higher.  Soybean futures closed mostly 7¢ to 11¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed higher Wednesday with the hint of steady to higher cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.28 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.68 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on good demand in the Southern Plains to inactive on moderate demand elsewhere through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few transactions to trend, there were some early FOB live trades at $224-$225/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $225 in Kansas.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $223 in the Texas Panhandle, $222 in Kansas, $235-$237 in Nebraska and $230-$237 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $365-$370 in Nebraska and $371 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 28¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $365.16/cwt. Select was 20¢ higher at $356.72.

Turning to the grain complex, futures were higher Wednesday with likely short covering and perhaps some weather premium.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher.

Live Cattle futures started strong but were an average of $1.14 lower toward the close Tuesday, as traders awaited the week’s cash direction. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 21¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $223/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $222 in Kansas, $235-$237 in Nebraska and $230-$237 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $365-$370 in Nebraska and $371 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 56¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $365.44/cwt. Select was $1.59 lower at $356.52.

Turning to the grain complex, Corn and Soybean futures were higher Tuesday with likely short covering and perhaps some weather premium.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were unchanged to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 7¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower.

Cattle futures were higher Monday, supported by last week’s strong gains in cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.40 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.04 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $1-$3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at 221 to mostly $223/cwt., $1-$3 higher in Kansas at mainly $222, $5-$6 higher in Nebraska at $235-$237 and $1 to $6 higher in the western Corn Belt at $230-$237. Dressed delivered prices were $3-$5 higher in Nebraska at $365-$370 and $6-$11 higher in the western Corn Belt at $371.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price last week was $2.97 higher at $229.94. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $6.32 higher at $368.06.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 34¢ lower Monday afternoon at $366.00/cwt. Select was $1.46 higher at $358.11.

Turning to the grain complex, Corn and Soybean futures were lower again Monday, pressured by increasing trade tension between China and the U.S., favorable weather and crop progress.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 9¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed lower Friday with week-end and month-end position squaring and profit taking.

Live cattle futures closed an average of 43¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 93¢ lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 86¢ lower (32¢ to $1.10 lower), recovering much of steep early-week losses tied to unfounded rumors of New World screwworm being detected in the U.S.  Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.23 lower week to week.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade through Friday afternoon ranged from inactive on moderate demand in the Southern Plains to light on very good demand elsewhere, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $1-$3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $221 to mostly $223/cwt., $1-$3 higher in Kansas at mainly $222, $5-$6 higher in Nebraska at $235-$237 and steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $230-$235. Dressed delivered prices were $3-$5 higher in Nebraska at $365-$370 and $6-$11 higher in the western Corn Belt at $371.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 477,000 head was 93,000 head fewer than the previous week (keeping in mind the holiday-shortened week) and 62,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date total estimated cattle slaughter of 12.3 million head was 825,000 head fewer (-6.3%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 10.7 billion pounds was 323.5 million pounds less (-2.9%).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 25¢ higher Friday afternoon at $366.34/cwt. Select was $3.01 higher at $356.65. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $4.79 higher and Select was $5.33 higher.

Turning to the grain complex, Corn and Soybean futures were lower Friday, pressured by favorable weather, renewed trade uncertainty and position squaring to round out the month and week.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 4¢ lower through Jly ’26 and then fractionally higher to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 9¢ to 12¢ lower through Aug ’26, and then mostly 5¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures closed fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures rebounded from the early-week sell-down on Thursday, supported by stronger negotiated cash fed cattle prices and higher post-holiday wholesale beef values. Lower Corn futures added support.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.82 higher ($1.50 to $2.17 higher). Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.10 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light to moderate on good demand in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $222/cwt., which was $2 higher in the Texas Panhandle and $2-$3 higher in Kansas.

Trade was limited on good demand in the North with too few transactions to trend. However, private sources suggested higher prices than last week were in play. Last week, FOB live prices were $230-$231 in Nebraska, where dressed delivered prices were $360-$367. Prices in the western Corn Belt last week were $229-$231 and $360-$365, respectively.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 67¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $366.09/cwt. Select was $1.90 higher at $353.64.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower with apparent continued fund selling. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 7¢ higher on likely short covering. Soybean futures were 1¢ lower to 2¢ higher.

Cattle futures were lower again Wednesday with funds likely taking more risk off the table following the previous session’s jolt.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.16 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.65 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices last week were $220/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $219-$221 in Kansas, $230-$231 in Nebraska and $229-$231 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $360-$367 in Nebraska and $360-$365 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.57 higher Wednesday afternoon at $365.42/cwt. Select was 91¢ higher at $351.74.

Grain and Soybean futures ground sideways to lower Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 8¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were unchanged to 1¢ higher. Soybean futures were 12¢ to 14¢ lower.

Cattle futures were lower Monday but off session lows by the end of the day, despite last week’s higher cash fed cattle prices and neutral Cattle on Feed report. There were some unfounded rumors of unfounded rumors that could have spooked funds and set loose the algos early in the session, but there’s no telling.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.25 lower (60¢ lower at the front to $2.27 lower at the back).

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.52 lower (32¢ lower at the back to $2.07 lower at the front).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

When the counting was finally done last week, FOB live prices were steady in the Texas Panhandle at $220/cwt., unevenly steady in Kansas at $219-$221, mostly $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $230-$231 and mainly $1-$2 higher in the western Corn Belt at mostly $230. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$9 higher in Nebraska at $330-$367 and $2-$7 higher in the western Corn Belt at $360-$365 in a light test.

The weekly weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price was 52¢ higher at $226.97/cwt. The weekly weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $4.07 higher at $361.74.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 30¢ higher Monday afternoon at $361.85/cwt. Select was 49¢ lower at $350.84.

Corn and Wheat futures were lower Tuesday on the improved domestic weather outlook.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 5¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 14¢ lower. Soybean futures were unchanged to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures were mostly higher again Friday, buoyed by the week’s stronger cash fed cattle prices and seasonally stronger wholesale beef values.

Live cattle futures closed an average of 32¢ higher, except for an average of 9¢ lower in two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.06 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of $4.09 higher and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.52 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on moderate to good demand in all regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few transactions to trend in any region, there were some FOB live trades at mostly $222/cwt. in the Southern Plains, where prices last week were mostly $220.

For the week, FOB live prices were $1-$2 higher at $230-$231 in Nebraska and $230 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $2 higher at mainly $360, with some up to $370 in Nebraska and some up to $365 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 58¢ higher Friday afternoon at $361.55/cwt. Select was $2.37 higher at $351.32.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 570,000 head was 4,000 head more than the previous week but 32,000 head fewer than the same week a year earlier. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 11.8 million head was 763,000 head fewer (-6.1%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 10.3 billion pounds was 277.9 million pounds less (-2.6%) than the same time last year.

Grain and Soybean futures softened Friday with threatened tariffs from the Trump Administration and potential profit taking and short covering ahead of the holiday weekend.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower. However, they were an average of 15’5¢ higher week to week on Friday, fueled by apparent short covering and speculation ending stocks could decline. 

Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 3¢ to 7¢ lower through Mar ’26 and then 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures were higher Thursday, supported by the week’s stronger cash fed cattle trade and perhaps some positioning ahead of Friday’s Cattle on Feed report. Pre-report estimates peg April placements and marketings about 3% lower year over year, with the May 1 inventory of cattle on feed down about 1.5%.

Live cattle futures were an average of $1.65 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.05 higher, except for 90¢ lower in waning May.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices ranged from inactive on moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle to limited on good demand elsewhere through Thursday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $1-$2 higher in the North at $230-$231/cwt., in Nebraska and $230 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices are mostly $2 higher in Nebraska at mainly $360 with some up to $370. Dressed delivered prices are $2-$7 higher in the western Corn Belt at $360-$365.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $220 in the Southern Plains.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.38 higher Thursday afternoon at $360.97/cwt. Select was 67¢ higher at $348.95.

Grain and Soybean futures took a bit of a breather from recent gains on Thursday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ higher. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 5¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on good demand in Kansas, Nebraska and the Western Corn Belt through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few transactions to trend, there were some early FOB live trades in Nebraska at $229-$230/cwt. and a few dressed delivered sales at $360-$370. Likewise, there were some early trades in the western Corn Belt at $230 and $360, respectively.

Last week, FOB live prices were $220 in the Southern Plains, mostly $229 in Nebraska and $228-$229 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $358.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 84¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $359.59/cwt. Select was $3.32 higher at $348.28.

Higher wholesale beef values and the hint of stronger cash fed cattle prices helped lift Live Cattle futures Wednesday. Toward the close, they were an average of 54¢ higher (17¢ higher at the back to $1.02 higher at the front).

However, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.09 lower toward the close, except for 2¢ higher in spot May, pressured by the recent increase in Corn futures and some softness in country cash prices, albeit at historically high levels.

Turning to the grain complex, futures continued higher Wednesday, led by Wheat, with likely continued short covering, the softer U.S. dollar and perhaps some weather premium.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 6¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 10¢ higher.

Wholesale beef prices surged higher Tuesday. Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.93 higher Tuesday afternoon at $358.75/cwt. Select was 85¢ higher at $344.96.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light to moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $220/cwt. in the Southern Plains, mostly $229 in Nebraska and $228-$229 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $358.

Cattle futures mainly wobbled sideways Tuesday, awaiting the week’s cash fed cattle direction.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 43¢ higher, except for 12¢ lower in near Aug. Feeder Cattle futures were mixed, from an average of 11¢ lower, to an average of 33¢ higher.

Apparent continued short covering and the softer U.S. dollar helped lift Grain and Soybean futures Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 6¢ to 7¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 13¢ to 15¢ higher. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher.

Stronger wholesale beef values and last week’s firm to higher cash fed cattle prices helped lift Live Cattle futures Monday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 89¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were mixed, from an average of 35¢ lower to an average of 13¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive in major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $220/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $228-$229 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $358.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price was $1.65 higher at $226.45/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $1.61 higher at $357.67.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.32 higher Monday afternoon at $354.81/cwt. Select was $1.72 higher at $344.11.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Monday with likely short covering.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Cattle futures firmed Friday and gained back some of the steep losses from the previous two sessions, helped along by a bounce in wholesale beef values.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 91¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.01 higher (62¢ to $1.77 higher).

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.61 lower and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.73 lower ($1.12 lower at the front to $3.47 lower at the back).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on good demand in the Southern Plains to light on good demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $1-$2 higher in the Texas Panhandle at mostly $220/cwt., steady to $2 higher in Kansas at $220 and $1-$3 higher in the North at $228-$229. Dressed delivered prices were $3 higher at $358.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.59 higher Friday afternoon at $352.49/cwt. Select was $3.21 higher at $342.39. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $6.52 higher and Select was $11.22 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 566,000 head was 7,000 head more than the previous week but 31,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 11.3 million head was 733,000 head fewer (-6.1%) than the same period last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 9.8 billion pounds was 262.7 million pounds less (-2.6%).

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Friday.

Corn futures were mostly 2¢ to 3¢ lower, pressured by planting progress and Wheat futures, with Kansas City Wheat futures closing 7¢ to 11¢ lower. Soybean futures were fractionally higher to mostly 1¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices gained on Thursday with moderate trade and good demand in the Texas Panhandle, Nebraska and the western Corn Belt, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were $1-$2 higher in the Texas Panhandle at mostly $220/cwt., $1-$4 higher in Nebraska at $229 and $1-$2 higher in the westerner Corn Belt at $227-$229. Dressed delivered prices were $3 higher at $358.

Trade in Kansas was limited on good demand with too few transactions to trend. FOB live prices there last week were $218-$220.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 54¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $349.90/cwt. Select was $3.33 higher at $339.18.

However, Cattle futures were sharply lower again Thursday with follow-through pressure from the previous session’s selloff. Growing concern about the potential of New World screwworm reaching the United States hovers in the background.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $4.06 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $6.03 lower.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ lower to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Soybean futures were 21¢ to 34¢ lower, perhaps with some sympathy to lower Crude Oil futures.

Cattle futures hit new highs Wednesday and then reversed to close sharply lower with likely profit taking and skittishness over the overbought status and price levels.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.38 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.98 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on moderate demand in the Southern Plains to limited on moderate demand in the North through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $218-$219/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $218-$220 in Kansas and $225-$228 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $355.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 74¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $349.36/cwt. Select was $1.38 higher at $335.85.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed again Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ lower to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 9¢ to 11¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally higher to 3¢ higher, except for 9¢ lower in spot May.  

Cattle futures eased lower Tuesday with likely profit taking from the previous session’s strong gains.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 73¢ higher (35¢ to $1.17 higher), except for an average of 32¢ lower in the front three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 41¢ higher, except for an average of 31¢ lower in the front three contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $218-$219/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $218-$220 in Kansas and $225-$228 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $355.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.96 higher Tuesday afternoon at $350.10/cwt. Select was 76¢ lower at $334.47.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher.  

Cattle futures popped higher Monday, helped along by more bullish outside markets and news that the U.S. shuttered the Southern border to cattle, bison and horses once again May 11 due to the spread of New World screwworm.

“The protection of our animals and safety of our nation’s food supply is a national security issue of the utmost importance,” says U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Once we see increased surveillance and eradication efforts, and the positive results of those actions, we remain committed to opening the border for livestock trade. This is not about politics or punishment of Mexico, rather it is about food and animal safety.”

Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University explains the border closed initially last November and reopened in early February after additional protocols and inspections were implemented. 

“Thus far in 2025, a total of 197,844 head of feeder cattle have been imported since the border reopened, down 60% year over year for the year-to-date,” Peel says, in his weekly market comments. “In 2024, a total of 1.25 million head of feeder cattle were imported, with none in the last five weeks of the year.”

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.82 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.55 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $219/cwt., steady to $2 higher in Kansas at $218-$220, $3-$5 higher in Nebraska at $225-$228 and $4-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $225-$228. Dressed delivered prices were $5 higher at $355.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price was $4.09 higher at $224.80. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $6.69 higher at $356.06.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.17 higher Monday afternoon at $348.14/cwt. Select was $4.06 higher at $335.23.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ lower to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were 18¢ to 26¢ higher, helped by the Chinese trade talks.  

Cattle futures gained early in Friday’s session and then closed lower with likely profit taking.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 63¢ lower, except for 42¢ higher in spot Jun.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.45 lower, except for 50¢ higher in spot May.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.19 higher (82¢ higher at the back to $3.57 higher at the front). Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 3.52 higher week to week on Friday ($3.02 higher at the front to $4.05 higher at the back).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on good demand in the Southern Plains and light to good demand in in the North through Friday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were steady to $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $218-$219/cwt., steady to $2 higher in Kansas at $218-$220, $3-$5 higher in Nebraska at $225-$228 and $4-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $225-$228. Dressed delivered prices were $5 higher at $355.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.92 lower Friday afternoon at $345.97/cwt. Select was $2.03 lower at $331.17. However, week to week on Friday, Choice was $3.07 higher and Select was $5.82 higher.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Friday.

Corn futures were mostly 2¢ to 3¢ higher with likely short covering ahead of Monday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. However, Corn futures were an average of 12’2¢ lower through the front six contracts, pressured by planting progress.  

Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 7¢ lower, pressured by crop progress.

Soybean futures were mostly 2¢ to 7¢ higher, helped along by announced early trade negotiations between China and the U.S. over the weekend.

Cattle futures gained Thursday with higher cash fed cattle prices and stronger Choice wholesale beef values.  

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.22 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.83 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light to moderate on very good demand in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $3-$5 higher at $225-$228/cwt. Dressed delivered prices were mainly $5 higher in Nebraska at mostly $355. There were some early dressed delivered trades in the western Corn Belt at $355-$360, but too few to trend; prices were $350 last week.

Trade in the Southern Plains was limited on good demand with too few transactions to trend. So far this week, FOB live prices are steady to $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $218-$219 and steady to $2 higher in Kansas at $218-$220.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.74 higher Thursday afternoon at $347.90/cwt. Select was 80¢ lower at $333.20.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday with planting progress once again pressuring grains, while the same fast pace and notions of less crop swapping favored Soybeans.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 2¢ to 5¢ higher.

Cattle futures were lower Wednesday but pared losses as the session wore on, as traders took a breather from recent contract highs.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 64¢ lower, except for 5¢ higher in away Jun. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 69¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on good demand in the Texas Panhandle through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live trades were $1 higher than the previous day at $219/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was light on good demand. Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live trades in Kansas at $219, compared to Tuesday’s trade of $218-$220. There were also some early dressed delivered trades in Nebraska at $352-$355.

Last week, FOB live prices were $222-$223 in Nebraska and $220-$224 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $350.00/cwt., except for a few up to $352 in Nebraska.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.48 higher Wednesday afternoon at $346.15/cwt. Select was $1.03 higher at $334.00.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed again Wednesday with planting progress and the positive weather outlook providing pressure.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were 4¢ lower to 2¢ higher.

Lower outside markets helped keep Cattle futures in check Tuesday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were unchanged to an average of 21¢ higher, except for 7¢ lower in spot Jun. Feeder Cattle futures were unchanged to an average of 22¢ higher, except for 52¢ lower in spot May.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on good demand in the Texas Panhandle through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live trades were mainly steady at $218/cwt., but a few up to $219.

Trade in Kansas was light on good demand. FOB trades so far this week are steady to $2 higher at $218-$220.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on light demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were $222-$223 in Nebraska and $220-$224 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $350.00/cwt., except for a few up to $352 in Nebraska.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.10 higher Tuesday afternoon at $344.67/cwt. Select was $4.90 higher at $332.97.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ higher to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower.

Cattle futures extended gains Monday with follow-through support from last week’s stronger cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.43 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.05 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $6 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $218/cwt., $5-$8 higher in Kansas at $218, $4-$5 higher in Nebraska at $222-$223 and $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $222-$223.

Dressed delivered prices were $7-$10 higher in Nebraska at $350 with a few up to $352, and $8-$10 higher in the western Corn Belt at $350.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price was $4.65 higher at $220.97/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $7.95 higher at $349.37.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 67¢ higher Monday afternoon at $343.57/cwt. Select was $2.72 higher at $328.07.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Monday with pressure from planting progress and favorable domestic weather.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 13¢ to 14¢ lower in the front two contracts and then 7¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 8¢ to 9¢ lower. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 12¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed higher Friday, continuing to ride bullish fundamentals and stronger cash prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.88 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.38 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.25 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.85 higher during the same period (52¢ higher at the back to $4.42 higher at the front).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly limited on good demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $6 higher in the Texas Panhandle at mostly $218/cwt., $5-$8 higher in Kansas at mostly $218, $4-$5 higher in Nebraska at $222-$223 and $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $222-$223.

Dressed delivered prices were $7-$10 higher in Nebraska at $350 and $8-$10 higher in the western Corn Belt at $350.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 27¢ lower Friday afternoon at $342.90/cwt. Select was $1.07 higher at $325.35. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $6.42 higher and Select was $5.24 higher.  

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Friday, helped along by the week’s bullish outside markets and what was considered to be a sign of easing tariff tensions with China.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher, except for 3¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed 11¢ to 13¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 5¢ to 7¢ higher.

Cattle futures were mainly lower Thursday, despite the previous day’s surge in cash fed cattle prices. Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of 52¢ lower, except for an average of 79¢ higher in the front two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.39 lower, except for 47¢ higher in spot May with likely follow-through technical pressure.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on very good demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $6 higher in the Texas Panhandle at mostly $218/cwt., $5-$8 higher in Kansas at mostly $218, $4-$5 higher in Nebraska at $222-$223 and $4-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at mostly $222.

Dressed delivered prices are $7-$10 higher in Nebraska at $350 and $8-$10 higher in the western Corn Belt at $350.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.14 lower Thursday afternoon at $343.17/cwt. Select was $2.26 higher at $324.28.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday with likely influence from weekly export sales.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 4¢ lower. Net U.S. corn export sales for the week ending April 25 were 12% less than the previous week and 13% less than the prior four-week average, according to the weekly USDA export sales report.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ lower after 7¢ higher in spot May. Net U.S. wheat export sales were down noticeably from the previous week and down 24% from the prior four-week average.

Soybean futures were 5¢ to 6¢ higher. Net U.S. soybean export sales were 55% higher week to week and 27% more than the prior four-week average.  

Cattle futures were higher Monday, supported by another week of stronger cash fed cattle prices and a day of sharply higher wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 83¢ (20¢ higher toward the back to $1.50 higher at the front).

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 51¢ higher (12¢ to $1.37 higher).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2-$4 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $210-$214/cwt., steady to $3 higher in Kansas at $210-$213, mostly $4-$6 higher in Nebraska at mainly $218 and mostly $5-$6 higher in the western Corn Belt at mainly $217-$218.

Dressed delivered prices were $3-$8 higher in Nebraska at $340-$343 and $5-$7 higher in the western Corn Belt at $340-$342.

Last week’s five-area direct weighed average FOB live fed steer price was $4.69 higher at $216.32/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $4.61 higher at $341.42.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.29 higher Monday afternoon at $342.77/cwt. Select was $5.01 higher at $325.12.

Corn and Kansas City Wheat futures were lower Monday, pressured by Corn’s strong planting pace (see below).

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ to 12¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ lower to 2¢ higher.  

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed to higher Friday, supported by the week’s stronger outside markets and the prospects for negotiated cash fed cattle prices retaining recent gains.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from unchanged to an average of 12¢ lower in four contracts, to an average of 34¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.65 higher.

For the week, Monday through Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.38 higher. During the same period, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.76 higher, receiving added support from Corn futures that were an average of 6’6¢ lower through the front six contracts during the same period, pressured by planting progress.

Weekly negotiated cash fed cattle trade remained to be established with light trade on moderate demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

There were a few live FOB trades at $212/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $218 in Kansas, but too few transactions to trend.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $208-$210/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $210 in Kansas, $212-$214 in Nebraska and $212 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $332-$340 in Nebraska and $335 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.78 higher Friday afternoon at $336.48/cwt. Select was $3.76 higher at $320.11. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $4.97 higher and Select was $4.56 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 555,000 head was 21,000 head fewer than the previous week and 59,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 9.6 million head was 589,000 head fewer (-5.8%) than the same period last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 8.3 billion pounds was 178.7 million pounds less (-2.1%).

Turning to the grain complex, futures were mixed on Friday.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally higher. Soybean futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher, except for 1¢ to 3¢ lower in the front three contracts.  

Cattle futures were higher Thursday, supported by stronger outside markets and the prospects for steady to higher cash fed cattle prices this week.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 51¢ higher, except for 2¢ lower in near Jun. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 65¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on moderate demand in Kansas to mostly inactive on very light demand elsewhere through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were too few transactions to trend in any region.

Last week, FOB live prices were $208-$210/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $210 in Kansas, $212-$214 in Nebraska and $212 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $332-$340 in Nebraska and $335 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.73 higher Thursday afternoon at $333.70/cwt. Select was $1.83 higher at $316.35.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Thursday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were unchanged to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally higher to 1¢ higher. Soybean futures were 10¢ to 14¢ higher

Cattle futures were higher Wednesday, helped along by firmer outside markets.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 89¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 73¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand in Kansas to a standstill elsewhere through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $208-$210/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $210 in Kansas, $212-$214 in Nebraska and $212 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $332-$340 in Nebraska and $335 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 24¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $331.97/cwt. Select was $3.13 lower at $314.52.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Wednesday. Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 6¢ higher.

Cattle futures rebounded Tuesday, following outside markets higher just they followed them lower the previous day.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.94 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.50 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $208-$210/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $210 in Kansas, $212-$214 in Nebraska and $212 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $332-$340 in and $335 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.79 lower Tuesday afternoon at $331.73/cwt. Select was $1.12 lower at $317.65.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower, pressured by the fast planting clip with 12% in the ground April 20, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress report.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 6¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed lower Monday, pressured by the sinking equities and perhaps added pressure from last week’s Cattle on Feed report which indicated more placements than expected last month.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 34¢ lower, except for 20¢ higher in the back contract. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.78 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $4-$6 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $208-$210/cwt., $6 higher in Kansas at $210, $4-$6 higher in Nebraska at $212-$214 and $4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $212. Dressed delivered prices were $5-$12 higher in Nebraska at $332-$340 and $7-$8 higher in the western Corn Belt at $335.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was $3.93 higher at $211.63/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $9.10 higher at $336.81.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.00 higher Monday afternoon at $333.52/cwt. Select was $3.22 higher at $318.77.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Monday, with little direction other than turbulence in the outside markets.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were unchanged to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 8¢ lower.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand in the western Corn Belt to inactive on very light demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $4-$6 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $208-$210/cwt., $6 higher in Kansas at $210, $4-$6 higher in Nebraska at $212-$214 and $4-$7 higher in the western Corn Belt at $212-$215. Dressed delivered prices were $5-$12 higher in Nebraska at $332-$340 and $7-$8 higher in the western Corn Belt at $335.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.38 lower Friday afternoon at $331.51/cwt. Select was 84¢ lower at $315.55.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 576,000 head was 12,000 head more than the previous week but 42,000 head fewer than the same week a year earlier. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 9.0 million head was 530,000 head fewer (-5.6%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 7.6 billion pounds was 147.2 million pounds less (-1.8%).

Equity and futures markets were closed Friday in observance of Good Friday. Cattle futures trended higher during the week, supported by stronger negotiated cash fed cattle prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $6.27 higher week to week on Thursday ($4.25 higher at the back to $8.98 higher at the front.

Week to week on Thursday, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $9.41 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade and demand were moderate in the Texas Panhandle through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $4 higher at $208/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was limited on light-to-moderate demand with too few transactions to trend. However, private sources were reporting higher prices in the North, too.

Last week, FOB live prices were $204 in Kansas and $208 in the North, where dressed delivered prices were $327-$328.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 63¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $332.90/cwt. Select was $2.00 higher at $316.39.

Cattle futures continued higher Thursday, supported by higher cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 92¢ higher (12¢ higher toward the back to $2.67 higher in spot Apr), except for 25¢ lower in away-Aug.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.50 higher (22¢ higher toward the back to $3.37 higher in spot Apr), except for an average of 9¢ lower in the back two contracts.

Grain and Soybean futures were mainly lower Thursday, with likely profit taking and positioning ahead of the long weekend.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 2¢ to 3¢ lower.  

Cattle futures were higher Wednesday, continuing to backfill the gap left by tariff pressures. Positioning ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report — due out Thursday rather than the usual Friday — could have lent added support. Estimates ahead of the report peg March placements about 3.5% higher year over year and the on-feed inventory April 1 down close to 2%.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.23 higher (27¢ higher at the back to $2.27 higher at the front), except for 15¢ lower in away-Aug.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 94¢ higher (45¢ higher at the back to $1.65 higher toward the front), except for 5¢ lower in Mar.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand in the western Corn Belt to  a standstill elsewhere through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $204/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $208 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $327-$328.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.90 lower Wednesday afternoon at $333.53/cwt. Select was 85¢ lower at $314.39.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Wednesday, helped along by the lower U.S. dollar.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 7¢ higher. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 4¢ higher.  

Cattle futures were higher again Tuesday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 70¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.44 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in all regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $204/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $208 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $327-$328.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 13¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $335.43/cwt. Select was 61¢ lower at $315.24.

Grain and Soybean futures softened Monday with likely continued profit taking.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly fractionally higher to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures were fractionally lower to 6¢ lower.

Cattle futures were higher again Monday, as outside markets continued to improve.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.36 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.22 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in all regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $4 lower in the Southern Plains at $204/cwt. and $2-$5 lower in the North at $208. Dressed delivered prices were $7-$8 lower at $327-$328.

Last week’s five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price was $3.44 lower last week at $207.70/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $8.74 lower at $327.73.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.41 higher Monday afternoon at $335.63/cwt. Select was $1.89 higher at $315.85.

Grain and Soybean futures softened Monday with likely profit taking.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 13¢ to 14¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed higher Friday, following stronger equity markets.

Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.15 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.47 higher. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 80¢ lower in the front three contracts to an average of $2.45 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.57 higher during the same period.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light demand in all regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $2-$5 lower at $208/cwt. in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $7-$8 lower at $327-$328.

The previous week, live FOB prices were $208 in the Southern Plains.

Wholesale beef prices softened. Choice boxed beef cutout value was 7¢ lower Friday afternoon at $334.22/cwt. Select was $1 lower at $313.96.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 564,000 head was 27,000 head fewer than the previous week and 34,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 8.4 million head was 483,000 head fewer (-5.4%) than the same week a year earlier. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 7.4 billion pounds was 126.4 million pounds less (-1.7%).

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Friday.

Corn futures were mostly 8¢ to 9¢ higher, supported by the week’s U.S. export sales, lower U.S. dollar and added weather premium. Week to week on Friday, they were an average of 20’3¢ higher through the front six contracts.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 15¢ to 20¢ higher.

Cattle futures were lower Thursday, giving back a fair bit of the previous day’s gains as equity markets lost ground.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.09 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.50 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on slow to moderate demand in Nebraska through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. So far this week, FOB live prices are $2-$5 lower at $208/cwt. and dressed delivered prices are $7-$8 lower at $327-$328.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill with too few transactions to trend.

Last week, FOB live prices were $208 in the Southern Plains and $210-$213 in the western Corn Belt, where dressed delivered prices were $335.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday with Corn and Soybeans receiving support from lower ending stocks in the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below).

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts,

Corn futures were 3¢ to 8¢ higher. Soybean futures were 8¢ to 15¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 9¢ to 11¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued lower Monday as equity markets unraveled further.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.66 lower and  Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.18 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand in Kansas to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were steady to $1-$2 lower in the Southern Plains at $208/cwt. steady to $3 lower in the North at $210-$213. Dressed delivered prices were steady at the low end of last week’s range at $335.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was $1 lower at $211.14/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $1.85 lower at $336.47.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.05 higher Monday afternoon at $339.50/cwt. Select was $2.12 higher at $319.30.

Grain and Soybean futures firmed Monday.

Toward the close, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower, except for 3¢ to 4¢ higher in old-crop contracts. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 2¢ to 4¢ higher, except for 3¢ to 7¢ higher in the front three contracts.

Cattle futures plunged lower Friday with follow-through, tariff-related pressure — limit-down in some contracts.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $6.00 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $7.81 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on light demand in the Southern Plains to light on moderate demand in the North through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $1-$2 lower in the Southern Plains at $208/cwt. steady to $3 lower in Nebraska at $210 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $213. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $335, the low end of last week’s range.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 8¢ higher Friday afternoon at $338.45/cwt. Select was 66¢ lower at $317.18.

Last week’s estimated total cattle slaughter of 591,000 head was 18,000 head fewer than the previous week and 23,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 7.9 million head was 448,000 head fewer (-5.4%) than the same period last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 6.9 billion pounds was 114.9 million pounds less (-1.6%).

Steep and far-ranging U.S. tariffs announced by the Trump administration rattled equities and Cattle futures markets Thursday. Along with continued uncertainty surrounding the tariffs and their implementation, worries abound that they will increase inflation, disrupt supply chains and slow economic growth the world over.

Cattle futures sank Thursday. Tariffs themselves may have little impact on cattle markets directly. However, the tariffs increase risk of slowing domestic economic growth and potential economic recession which could impact consumer beef demand.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.55 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.03 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand in the Southern Plains to light on limited demand in the North through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Although too few to trend, there were some early dressed delivered trades at $335-$345/cwt. in Nebraska and some early FOB live trades in the western Corn Belt at $213.

Last week, FOB live prices were $209-$210 in the Southern Plains and $213 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $335-$345.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday. Although the new the U.S. tariffs applied pressure, Grain futures faded some heat, given the exclusion of agricultural products covered by the U.S., Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 17¢ to 19¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued to grind higher Wednesday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 98¢ higher, from 47¢ to $1.95 higher toward the front of the board. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.49 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand in the Texas Panhandle to a standstill elsewhere through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $209-$210/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $213 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $335-$345.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.32 lower Wednesday afternoon at $339.90/cwt. Select was $3.24 lower at $318.83.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Wednesday with the main pressure likely tied to trepidation concerning the U.S. tariffs announced after the session closed.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower.

Cattle futures were higher Tuesday on the first day of the new quarter, supported by strengthening wholesale beef values.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.96 higher Tuesday afternoon at $342.22/cwt. Select was $2.06 higher at $322.07.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.06 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.73 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand in the North to a standstill in the Southern Plains through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $209-$210/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $213 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $335-$345.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Tuesday as traders resumed buying after month-end and quarter-end position squaring and with USDA’s Planting Intensions and Grain Stocks reports in the books, perhaps also reflecting some new weather premium.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 7¢ higher. Soybean futures were 18¢ to 20¢ higher.

Cattle futures were mixed to lower Monday with likely month-end and quarter-end profit taking.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 82¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 58¢ lower to an average of 19¢ higher. 

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand in the western Corn Belt to a standstill elsewhere through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were steady to $1 lower in the Southern Plains at $209-$210/cwt. and unevenly steady in the North at mostly $213. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $10 higher at $335-$345.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was 62¢ lower at $212.14. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $3.17 higher at $338.32.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.44 higher Monday afternoon at $335.26/cwt. Select was $1.33 higher at $320.01.

Grain and Soybean were mixed Monday with the reaction to USDA’s Planting Intensions and Grain Stocks reports, suggesting the market had factored in similar numbers. More about those reports momentarily.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 4¢ higher, supported by tighter stocks. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 9¢ to 10¢ lower.  

Cattle futures closed lower Friday with likely profit taking but were higher week to week.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 62¢ lower, from 12¢ lower at the back to $1.00 lower toward the front. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 82¢ lower. 

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.15 higher (40¢ to $2.07 higher). Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.23 higher during the same period.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on moderate to good demand in Nebraska through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $10 higher at $335-$345/cwt., in a light test. There were a few FOB live trades at $213, but too few to trend; prices in the region the previous week were $212-$215.

Trade was light on moderate demand in Kansas and the western Corn Belt. There were a few live FOB trades in Kansas at $209, but too few to trend. Prices the previous week were $210 in Kansas and $212-$215 in the western Corn Belt, where dressed delivered prices were $335.

In the Texas Panhandle, trade was mostly inactive on light demand. FOB live prices the previous week were $210.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.90 lower Friday afternoon at $332.82/cwt. Select was 76¢ lower at $318.68. Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.91 higher and Select was $9.04 higher with a substantial increase in cattle slaughter.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 609,000 head was 49,000 head more than the previous week and 27,000 head more than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 7.3 million head was 423,000 head fewer (-5.5%) than the same period a year ago. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 6.4 billion pounds was 1.1 million pounds less (-1.7%).

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Friday, as traders positioned head of Monday’s USDA Planting Intensions and Grain Stocks reports.

Corn futures were mostly 1¢ lower, except for nearby. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ to 14¢ lower. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 8¢ higher through May ’26.

Cattle futures rose Thursday, supported by recent wholesale beef price strength and perhaps speculation that cattle feeders can push cash fed cattle prices higher again this week.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.96 higher across a broad range of 60¢ higher at the back to $3.12 higher toward the front.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.63 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on very light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $210 in the Southern Plains and $212-$215 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $335.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.58 lower Thursday afternoon at $335.72/cwt. Select was $2.91 higher at $319.44.

Grain and Soybean were mixed Thursday,

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher. However, Soybean futures were 13¢ to 14¢ higher, likely supported by expectations of significantly lower planting intentions in Monday’s much-anticipated USDA report.

Cattle futures mostly gained Wednesday, helped along by bullish Choice wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 39¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.25 higher, except for 15¢ lower in waning Mar. 

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on very light demand in the western Corn Belt through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were a few FOB live trades at $213/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on very light demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were $210 in the Southern Plains and $212-$215 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $335.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.11 higher Wednesday afternoon at $338.30/cwt. Select was $2.48 higher at $316.53.

Grain and Soybean were lower Wednesday with follow-through concerns including early-planting pressure, tariff wonderments and the upcoming USDA Grain Stocks and Planting Intentions reports.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were fractionally mixed to 1¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed mostly a touch lower Tuesday but off of session lows as traders await this week’s cash fed cattle direction.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 33¢ lower, except for an average of 56¢ higher in the front two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 36¢ lower, except for 25¢ higher in spot Mar. 

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on very light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices last week were $210/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $212-$215 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $335.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $8.09 higher Tuesday afternoon at $335.19/cwt. Select was 47¢ higher at $324.05.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday. Apparently, pressure included increased trader wariness regarding the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) recent proposal to impose new, steep levies on Chinese-built and operated ocean carries arriving at U.S. ports, which would likely disrupt trade and decrease domestic price competitiveness in the global market.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower. Soybean futures were fractionally higher to 5¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed Monday, following early-session strength supported by last week’s strong cash fed cattle prices and Friday’s friendly Cattle on Feed report.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 42¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 23¢ lower, except for an average of 16¢ higher in the front two contracts.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices last week were $210/cwt. in the Southern Plains $212-$215 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $335.

Last week’s five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price was $7.46 higher at $212.76. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $10.18 higher at $335.15.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.65 higher Monday afternoon at $327.10/cwt. Select was $3.96 higher at $313.58.

Turning to the grain complex, futures continued their mixed choppiness Monday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally mixed. Kansas City Wheat futures were 11¢ lower. Soybean futures were 2¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was active on very good demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were $7-$8 higher in the Southern Plains at $210/cwt. and $6-$9 higher in the North at $212-$215. Dressed delivered prices were $10 higher at $335.

Cattle futures closed lower Friday after early strength on likely week-end profit taking and positioning.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.58 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.20 lower ($1.87 lower at the front to $5.05 lower at the back).

Cattle futures should find some early-week support tied to the friendly Cattle on Feed report (see below).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.15 lower Friday afternoon at $325.91/cwt. Select was 28¢ higher at $309.64.

Week to week on Friday, Choice was $7.64 higher and Select was $3.32 higher. Choice was up $11 over the past two weeks.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 560,000 head was 24,000 head less than the prior week and 33,000 head less than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 6.7 million head was 452,000 head less (-6.3%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 5.8 billion pounds was 143.3 million pounds less (-2.4%).

Turning to the grain complex, futures were mixed again Friday.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 2¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 2¢ to 3¢ lower.

Cattle futures extended gains Thursday, supported by recently higher wholesale beef values and the increasing likelihood of higher cash fed cattle prices for the week. Through mid-morning Friday, Cattle futures were lower ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report.

On Thursday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.36 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.46 higher.

There was no AMS report for negotiated cash fed cattle prices Thursday afternoon. Through mid-morning Friday, there were reports of significantly higher week-to-week bids.

Last week, FOB live prices were $202-$203/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $206 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $325.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 7¢ higher through old-crop contracts and then mostly fractionally mixed. Front months were supported by strong weekly export demand.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed 5¢ to 8¢ lower through away May and then fractionally lower to 3¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 4¢ higher through near Sep and then fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. 

Cattle futures were higher Wednesday, supported by surging wholesale beef values, firmer outside markets and possibly an eye toward Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Pre-report estimates are for February feedlot placements to be about 14% less year over year, February marketing to be down about 8% and the March 1 cattle on feed inventory to be down 2%.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.01 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.84 higher.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $202-$203/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $206 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $325.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.29 higher Wednesday afternoon at $329.61/cwt. Select was 55¢ lower at $308.68.

Grain and Soybean futures softened Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts,

Corn futures were mostly 2¢ lower to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures 8¢ to 11¢ lower. Soybean futures 4¢ to 5¢ lower.  

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Tuesday with pressure from outside markets and wonderment about this week’s cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from unchanged to 12¢ lower in five contracts to an average of 13¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 20¢ higher, except for 15¢ lower in the back contract.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $202-$203/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $206 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $325.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.16 higher Tuesday afternoon at $323.32/cwt. Select was $1.33 higher at $309.23.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed again Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally mixed. Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures  were 2¢ to 3¢ lower.