Daily Cattle Current Podcast

Daily Cattle Current Podcast 2017-06-03T14:35:39-06:00

Daily Cattle Current Podcast

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Cattle Current Podcast—Feb. 17, 2025

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill in the Southern Plains through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. In the North, trade ranged from slow on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt to moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska.

For the week, FOB live prices were $203/cwt., which was $3 lower in the Southern Plains, $5 lower in Nebraska and $2-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt.

Dressed delivered prices were $7-$8 lower in Nebraska at $320-$321. The previous week, dressed delivered prices were $328 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.70 lower Friday afternoon at $314.70/cwt. Select was $2.70 lower at $307.14. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $7.17 lower and Select was $5.76 lower.

Cattle futures closed lower Friday as wholesale beef valued moved seasonally lower, cash fed cattle prices lost ground and funds likely exited more positions.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.46 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.24 lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.92 lower through the front four contracts to an average of 47¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 1.72 higher.

Wheat led grain and Soybean futures higher Friday with likely short covering by funds.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 20¢ to 23¢ higher through Mar ’26 and then 13¢ to 19¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 5¢ to 6¢ higher.  

February 16th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Feb. 12. 2025

Cattle futures closed lower Tuesday with pressure including less packer production, apparent non-commercial long liquidation and more pessimism around this week’s cash fed cattle price potential.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.29 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.68 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light demand in the Southern Plains through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few transactions to trend, there were some FOB live trades at $203/cwt. Elsewhere, trade was at a standstill.

Last week, FOB live prices were $206/cwt. in the Southern Plains $208 in Nebraska and $205-$208 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $328.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.04 lower Tuesday afternoon at $322.46/cwt. Select was $1.71 lower at $312.21.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday with traders disappointed by the lack of news in the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 8¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 5¢ lower.  

February 11th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Feb. 11, 2025

Cattle futures rose Monday, building on the previous session’s firmer tone, following last week’s rout.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 97¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.45 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 $206/cwt. in the Southern Plains $208 in Nebraska and $205-$208 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $328.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $2.52 lower at $207.05/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer prices was $2.09 lower at $326.98.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.63 higher Monday afternoon at $323.50/cwt. Select was $1.02 higher at $313.92.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher with likely betting on bullish adjustments in the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates due out Tuesday.

However, Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 8¢ lower and Soybean futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.

February 10th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Feb. 10, 2025

Cattle futures stabilized Friday, following a week of losses driven by opening of the Mexican border to feeder cattle, discovery of a new bird flu train in dairy cattle, packer-announced production cuts for the coming week and lower cash fed cattle prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 38¢ higher, except for unchanged in near Apr.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.82 lower ($3.17 lower at the back to $5.52 lower toward the front).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 43¢ higher, except for an average of 23¢ lower in the front three contracts.

Week to week on Friday, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $8.04 lower ($5.87 lower toward the back to $10.82 lower in spot Mar).

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $206/cwt., $2 lower in Nebraska at $208 and $2-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $205-$208. Dressed delivered prices were $2 lower at $328.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.11 lower Friday afternoon at $321.87/cwt. Select was $1.87 lower at $312.90.

Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.81 lower and Select was $4.17 lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 584,000 head was 16,000 head fewer than the previous week and 33,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 3.3 million head was 304,000 head fewer (-8.5%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date estimated total beef production of 2.8 billion pounds was 124.3 million pounds less (-4.2%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower Friday on likely profit taking and weekend position squaring.

Corn futures closed 5¢ to 7¢ lower through old-crop contracts and then mostly 2¢ to 3¢ lower. However, they closed an average of 6’4¢ higher week to week through the front six contracts.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower on Friday.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 11¢ lower.

February 9th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Feb. 5, 2025

As logic suggested, Cattle futures lost ground Monday, between likely technical correction, the weekend announcement from APHIS that Mexican cattle imports to the U.S. will resume this week and tariffs levied on Canada, Mexico and China, though Mexican tariffs are now postponed for a month.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.04 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.84 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on very light 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-$7 higher in the Southern Plains at $208/cwt. and steady to $2 lower in in the North at $210. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $2 higher at $330.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was 38¢ higher at $209.57/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered price was 45¢ lower at $329.07.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.31 higher Monday afternoon at $331.99/cwt. Select was $2.77 higher at $319.84.

Grain and Soybean futures gained Monday when announcement came that new Mexican tariffs were postponed for a month and perhaps some betting on a deal getting done with China.

Corn futures closed 5¢ to 6¢ higher through Jly ‘26 and then mostly 2¢ to 3¢ higher.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed 5¢ to 6¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 11¢ to 16¢ higher through Mar ‘26 and then 7¢ to 8¢ higher.

 

February 4th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Feb. 3, 2025

Cattle futures bounced back Friday, buoyed by the week’s stronger cash fed cattle prices and ahead of what turned out to be a generally neutral USDA Cattle report compared to expectations (see below).

Live Cattle futures were an average of 74¢ higher (12¢ higher at the front to $1.07 higher at the back). Week to week they were an average of 40¢ lower, except for an average of 3¢ higher in the back three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.40 higher. They were an average of 70¢ lower week to week.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill in the Texas Panhandle to slow on moderate demand elsewhere through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.  

For the week, FOB live prices were $6-$7 higher in the Southern Plains at $208/cwt. and steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at $210, where dressed delivered prices were steady to $2 higher at $330.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $210-$212 in the western Corn belt, where dressed delivered prices were $330.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 20¢ higher Friday afternoon at $327.68/cwt. Select was $1.17 higher at $317.07. Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was 24¢ lower but Select was 78¢ higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 600,000 head was 1,000 head more than the previous week but 32,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 2.7 million head was 266,000 head fewer (-9%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 2.3 billion pounds was 116.4 million pounds less (-4.7%).

Turning to the grain complex, grain and Soybean futures closed lower Friday with week-end and month-end squaring and likely positioning ahead of the looming tariffs announced Saturday (see below).

Corn futures were 6¢ to 8¢ lower through old-crop contracts and then mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ to 9¢ lower through May ’26 and then 6¢ to 7¢ lower.  

Soybean futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower.

February 2nd, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 31, 2025

Cattle futures continued to correct lower Thursday, as wholesale beef prices continued lower and despite hefty gains in Southern Plains fed cattle prices. Keep in mind, the much-anticipated USDA Cattle inventory report will be released Friday afternoon.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.04 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.46 lower, except for $1.35 higher in expiring Jan.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on very good demand in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon, with FOB live prices $6-$7 higher at $208/cwt., with a few up to $209 in Kansas.

Trade was slow on moderate demand in the North, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some dressed delivered trades in Nebraska at $330 and a few FOB live trades in the western Corn Belt at $210.

Last week, FOB live prices were $210-$212 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $328-$330 in Nebraska and $330 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.06 lower Thursday afternoon at $327.48/cwt. Select was $4.77 lower at $315.90.

January 30th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 29, 2025

Last week’s upward momentum in cash prices, and stubbornly strong Choice boxed beef prices, helped support gains in Cattle futures Tuesday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.39 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.98 higher.

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 $201-$202/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $210-$212 in Nebraska and the Western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $328-$330 in Nebraska and $330 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.37 higher Tuesday afternoon at $332.45/cwt. Select was $1.41 higher at $321.96.

Grain and Soybean futures see-sawed back to positive Tuesday, as traders parse South American weather, the threat of Trump tariffs and all of the rest.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 8¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 3¢ higher.

January 28th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 28, 2025

Last week’s hefty cash prices helped Live Cattle futures mostly gain Monday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 80¢ higher, except for an average of 9¢ lower in the back three contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 90¢ lower, except for 70¢ higher in waning spot Jan.  

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 steady to $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $201-$202/cwt., $7-$8 higher in Nebraska at $210-$212/cwt. and $6-$7 higher in the Western Corn Belt at $210-$212. Dressed delivered prices were $6-$8 higher in Nebraska at $328-$330 and $8-$10 higher in the western Corn Belt at $330.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was $5.52 higher at $209.19/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $7.74 higher at $329.72.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.16 higher Monday afternoon at $330.08/cwt. Select was $4.26 higher at $320.55.

Grain and Soybean futures eased lower Monday with pressure including growing concern about President Trump’s recent promise to increase tariffs Feb. 1.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 10¢ lower.   

January 27th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 27, 2025

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was active on very good demand in the North through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $7 higher in Nebraska at $210-$212/cwt. and $6-$7 higher in the Western Corn Belt at $210-$212. Dressed delivered prices were $6-$8 higher In Nebraska at $328-$330 (a few up to $339) and $8-$10 higher in the western Corn Belt at $330 (a few up to $338).

Trade in the Southern Plains was mostly inactive on light demand with too few transactions to trend. For the week FOB live prices were steady in Kansas at $201. The previous week, FOB live prices were steady in the Texas Panhandle at $201.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.04 lower Friday afternoon at $327.92/cwt. Select was 92¢ lower at $316.29. Week to week, Choice was $5.77 lower and Select was $3.54 lower.

Sharply higher cash fed cattle prices helped Cattle futures continue their upward trend on Friday.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.12 higher ($1.15 to $3.00 higher). Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.11 higher (10¢ higher to $3.67 higher in spot Feb).

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $4.02 higher across a broad range and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $5.29 higher across a broad range.

Corn and Soybean futures retreated Friday on likely profit taking and Argentina’s reduction in export taxes for domestic producers.

Corn futures were mostly 2¢ to 3¢ lower through Jly ’26 and then 1¢ lower.

Soybean futures were 7¢ to 9¢ lower through near Aug and then mostly 3¢ lower.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢-11¢ lower through May ’26.  

January 26th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 24, 2025

Cattle futures extended gains Thursday on bullish fundamentals and stronger outside markets.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 83¢ higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of 66¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand in all major cattle feeding regions through Thursday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are steady in Kansas at $201/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $201 in the Texas Panhandle, $203-$205 in Nebraska and $203-$206 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices $322 in were Nebraska and $320-$322 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.06 lower Thursday afternoon at $330.96/cwt. Select was 78¢ lower at $317.21.

Traders added some South American weather premium back into Corn and Soybean futures.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 8¢ higher.

January 23rd, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 23, 2025

Cattle futures powered ahead Wednesday with little apparent explanation other than exuberant fund-buying and perhaps bullish positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Pre-report estimates peg the Jan. 1 feedlot inventory 0.2% lower year over year, December placements 1.8% higher and December marketings 1.3% higher.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.75 higher ($3.00 to $6.40 higher). Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.23 higher ($1.87 to $3.02 higher).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on moderate demand to mostly inactive on moderate demand through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service, with too few transactions to trend. Some early FOB live trade was noted in the Texas Panhandle at $202.

So far this week, FOB live prices are steady in Kansas at $201/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $201 in the Texas Panhandle, $203-$205 in Nebraska and $203-$206 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices $322 in Nebraska and $320-$322 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 3¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $332.02/cwt. Select was $1.56 lower at $317.99.

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

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 5¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 10¢ lower.  

January 22nd, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 22, 2025

Feeder Cattle futures were pressured by stronger Corn futures, worries about cold-damaged winter wheat pasture in the Southern Plains and perhaps growing hesitancy related to the ultimate opening of the Mexican border to feeder cattle. Toward the close, they were down an average of $1.63 lower, except for 85¢ higher in spot Jan.

Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Tuesday, awaiting the week’s cash trade. They were an average of 35¢ higher, except for unchanged to an average of 6¢ lower in three contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on light demand in Kansas through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were steady at $201/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on very light demand

Last week, FOB live prices were $201 in the Texas Panhandle, $203-$205 in Nebraska and $203-$206 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices $322 in Nebraska and $320-$322 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.11 lower Tuesday afternoon at $332.05/cwt. Select was 11¢ higher at $319.55.

Corn and Soybean futures were higher Tuesday, helped along by the drier South American weather outlook and more optimism regarding tariffs.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 6¢ higher.  Soybean futures were 24¢ to 33¢ higher.

Wheat futures gained on prospects of freeze damage in the Southern Plains. Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Kansas City Wheat futures were 25¢ to 26¢ higher.  

January 21st, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 21, 2025

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 $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $201/cwt., steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $201, unevenly steady in Nebraska at $203-$205 and $1-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $203-$206. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $322 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $320-$322.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 53¢ lower Monday afternoon at $333.16/cwt. Select was 39¢ lower at $319.44.

 

 

January 20th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 20, 2025

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand in the Southern Plains to light to moderate on light to moderate demand 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 $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $201/cwt., steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $201, unevenly steady in Nebraska at $203-$205 and $1-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $203-$206. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $322 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $320-$322.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 28¢ higher Friday afternoon at $333.69/cwt. Select was 45¢ higher at $319.83. Week to week, Choice was 85¢ higher and Select was $5.69 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week was 603,000 head, which was 14,000 head more than the previous week but 2,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 1.5 million head was 219,000 head fewer (-12.9%) than the same period a year earlier. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 1.3 billion pounds was 138.2 million pounds less (-9.7%).

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed Friday, perhaps with some positioning on the long weekend.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 38¢ lower, except for an average of 19¢ higher in the front two contracts. Live Cattle futures closed from an average of 29¢ lower in six contracts to an average of 15¢ higher.

Week to week on Friday, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.34 lower, except for $1.15 higher in spot Jan. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.56 lower

Corn and Soybean futures were mixed Friday.

Corn futures closed 8¢ to 10¢ higher through old-crop contracts on tighter stocks relative to demand, then mostly 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Week to week, they were an average of 12’4¢ higher through old-crop contracts; up an average of 33¢ over the past two weeks.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly unchanged to fractionally lower on Friday. Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 15¢ higher through near Aug, and then 1¢ to 7¢ higher.

January 18th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 17, 2025

Cattle futures lost ground Thursday, with likely profit taking, technical resistance and perhaps reaction to chatter about when cattle imports from Mexico might resume.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was active on good demand in Nebraska through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service, with FOB live prices unevenly steady at $202-$205/cwt. and dressed delivered prices $2 higher at $322.

Trade was light to moderate on moderate to good demand in the western Corn Belt with FOB live prices steady to $3 higher at $203-$205. Dressed delivered prices last week were $320.

In the Southern Plains, trade was light on light demand with too few transactions to trend. For the week, dressed delivered prices are $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $201 and steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $201.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 73¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $333.41/cwt. Select was $1.34 higher at $319.38.

Cattle futures lost ground Thursday, with likely profit taking, technical resistance and perhaps reaction to chatter about when cattle imports from Mexico might resume.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.95 lower. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.36 lower.

Corn and Soybean futures were lower Thursday with likely producer selling and profit taking.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 9¢ lower. Soybean futures were 19¢ to 22¢ lower.   

January 16th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 16, 2025

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on light demand in the Texas Panhandle through Wednesday afternoon with FOB live prices $1 higher at $201/cwt. in a light test, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $201 on moderate trade and demand.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on very light demand.

Last week, FOB live prices were $203 in Nebraska and $200-$205 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $320.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.16 higher Wednesday afternoon at $334.14/cwt. Select was 67¢ lower at $318.04.

Cattle futures gained Wednesday with help from more optimistic outside markets and the prospects of at least steady cash fed cattle trade.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.13 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.24 higher.

Corn and Soybean futures were mixed Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 8¢ lower.  

January 15th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast — Jan. 15, 2025

Cattle futures consolidated Tuesday awaiting this week’s cash fed cattle direction.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 52¢ higher across a broad range. Live Cattle futures were an average of 49¢ lower across a broad range.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were 200/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $200-$201 in Kansas, $203 in Nebraska and $200-$203 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $320.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 37¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $332.98/cwt. Select was $1.14 higher at $318.71.

Corn and Soybean futures softened Tuesday with likely profit taking in the wake of the recent surge higher.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly fractionally higher.

Soybean futures closed 4¢ to 7¢ lower, except for 3¢ higher in expiring Jan.

January 14th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 14, 2025

Cattle futures were lower Monday on likely profit taking and positioning following last week’s charge higher.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.42 lower. Live Cattle futures closed an average of 96¢ lower.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $3-$4 higher in the Texas Panhandle at 200/cwt., $4 higher in Kansas at $200-$201, $3 higher in Nebraska at $203 and steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $200-$203. Dressed delivered prices were $5 higher at $320.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was $3.65 higher at $202.58/cwt. The weighted five-area average dressed delivered steer price was $5.29 higher at $320.25.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 51¢ higher Monday afternoon at $333.35/cwt. Select was $3.43 higher at $317.57.

Corn and Soybean futures continued higher Monday with follow-through support from Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, dragging Wheat along.  

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures closed 5¢ to 7¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 9¢ to 11¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 20¢ to 30¢ higher

January 13th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 13, 2025

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on moderate demand in the Southern Plains and Nebraska through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Trade in the western Corn Belt was limited on light demand.

For the week, FOB live prices were $4 higher in the Southern Plains at 200-201/cwt., $3 higher in Nebraska at $203 and steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $200-$203. Dressed delivered prices were $5 higher at $320.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.06 higher Friday afternoon at $332.84/cwt. Select was $5.79 higher at $314.14.

Week to week on Friday, Choice was $7.60 higher and Select was $17.42 higher.

Estimated beef production so far this year illustrates the slower year-over-year production pace, down 161.7 million pounds (-17.6%) compared to the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 870,000 head was 217,000 head fewer (-20%).

Cattle futures continued higher Friday, buoyed by higher cash fed cattle prices and stronger wholesale beef values.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.26 higher (75¢ higher at the back to $3.12 higher at the front). Week to week, they were an average of $6.07 higher ($5.22 to $7.52 higher). 

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 86¢ higher Friday (27¢ to $1.37 higher). Week to week, they were an average of $3.39 higher ($2.37 higher at the back to $4.27 higher in spot Feb).

Turning to the grain complex, Corn and Soybean futures bounced higher with help from cuts to yield and. Ending stocks in the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures closed 14¢ to 15¢ higher in old-crop contracts and then mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher. Week to week, they were an average of 20’6¢ higher through old-crop contracts.

Soybean futures closed 16¢ to 26¢ higher through Jan ’26 and then 8¢ to 13¢ higher.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 2¢ to 5¢ higher.

January 12th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 10, 2025

Cattle futures took a step higher Thursday, helped along by the prospects of higher cash fed cattle prices and stronger wholesale beef values.

Before settlement, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.26 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.96 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand in the western Corn Belt to a standstill through Thursday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

However, there were reports of $200 live cash prices in the Southern Plains and more up North.

Last week, FOB live prices were $196-$197/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $200 in Nebraska and the western Corn. Dressed delivered prices were $315.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.17 higher Thursday afternoon at $330.78/cwt. Select was $1.46 higher at $308.35.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday between South American weather and positioning ahead of the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates and Grain Stocks report due out Friday.

Before settlement, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher.

January 9th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 9, 2025

Cattle futures closed lower Wednesday on likely profit taking and the absence of weekly cash fed cattle direction.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.38 lower. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.67 lower.

 Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $196-$197/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $200 in Nebraska and the western Corn. Dressed delivered prices were $315.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.82 higher Wednesday afternoon at $328.61/cwt. Select was $1.46 higher at $306.89.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Wednesday with pressure from the higher U.S. dollar and perhaps some positioning ahead of the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates and Grain Stocks report due out this Friday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower.

January 8th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 8, 2025

Strong fundamentals and increasing open interest helped lift Cattle futures Tuesday.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.95 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of 74¢ 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 $196-$197/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $200 in Nebraska and the western Corn. Dressed delivered prices were $315.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.31 lower Tuesday afternoon at $325.79/cwt. Select was $2.10 higher at $305.43.

Grain and Soybean futures closed mixed Tuesday with traders keeping in mind the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates and Grain Stocks report due out this Friday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mainly unchanged. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally lower to 2¢ lower.

January 7th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 7, 2025

Cattle futures closed higher Monday on bullish fundamentals, following the previous session’s profit taking.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.82 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.48 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. 

Last week, FOB live prices were $4 higher in the Southern Plains at $197/cwt., $3-$4 higher in Nebraska at $200 and $3-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $200. Dressed delivered prices were $8 higher at $315.

Last week’s five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price was $4.12 higher at $198.93. The weighted averaged dressed delivered steer price was $7.91 higher at $314.96.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.86 higher Monday afternoon at $327.10/cwt. Select was $6.61 higher at $303.33.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Monday, buoyed by South American weather expectations.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 6¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 13¢ to 14¢ higher. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 8¢ higher.

January 6th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 6, 2025

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was active to moderate on very good demand in the North through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Trade in the Southern Plains was light on good demand.

For the week, FOB live prices were $4-$5 higher in the Southern Plains at mainly $197/cwt., $3-$4 higher in Nebraska at $200 and $3-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $200. Dressed delivered prices were $8 higher at $315.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.76 higher Friday afternoon at $325.24/cwt. Select was $2.49 higher at $296.72.

Based on the last full week of December, estimated total cattle slaughter in 2024 was about 1.2 million head less (-3.7%) year over year, while estimated beef production was 169.1 million pounds less (-0.6%).

Cattle futures closed lower Friday with likely profit taking.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.32 lower.  Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.02 lower, except for 45¢ higher in spot Feb.

Week to week on Friday, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.32 higher (32¢ to $3.62 higher) except for 70¢ lower in the back contract. Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.57 higher through the front three contracts and then an average of 37¢ higher.

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower Friday.

Corn futures closed 7¢ to 9¢ lower through old-crop contracts and then mostly 5¢ lower with some likely producer selling.  

Kansas City Wheat futures closed 12¢ to 13¢ lower through Jly ’26, pressured by poor exports and positive domestic production conditions. Net U.S. weekly export sales for the week ending Dec. 26 were down 77% from the previous week — a marketing year lower — and 68% less than the prior four-week period.

Soybean futures closed mostly 16¢ to 21¢ lower, also pressured by anemic export sales — down 51% from the prior week and down 67% from the previous four-week average.

January 5th, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 3, 2024

Cattle futures rose Thursday, led by cash.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.41 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.35 higher, except for $1.22 lower in newly minted away Jun. 

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light to moderate on good demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $3-$4 higher at $196/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was limited on good demand with too few transactions to trend.

FOB live prices last week were $192-$193/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $196-$197 in Nebraska and $195-$197 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $307.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 24¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $323.48/cwt. Select was 29¢ lower at $294.23.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed on Thursday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher. Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 8¢ lower.

January 2nd, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Jan. 2, 2025

Cattle futures gained Tuesday, helped along by expectations of steady to higher cash fed cattle prices this week.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.78 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of 72¢ higher, except for 22¢ lower in expiring Dec. 

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 $192-$193/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $196-$197 in Nebraska and $195-$197 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $307.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.15 lower Tuesday afternoon at $324.22/cwt. Select was 24¢ lower at $294.52.

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Tuesday with traders apparently adding South American weather risk premium as they squared year-end positions.

Soybean futures closed 14¢ to 19¢ higher. Corn futures were mostly 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 2¢ higher.

January 1st, 2025|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 31 to Jan. 2, 2024

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

FOB live prices last week were $1-$2 higher at $192-$193/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $196-$197 in Nebraska and $195-$197 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher at $307.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.99 higher Monday afternoon at $325.37/cwt., supported by slower packer production. Select was $3.63 higher at $294.76.

Cattle futures mostly edged higher Monday.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 37¢ higher, except for an average of 28¢ lower in the back two contracts. Live Cattle futures were an average of 25¢ higher, except for an average of 28¢ lower in two contracts. 

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed on Monday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Corn futures were 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ higher.

December 30th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 30, 2024

Cattle futures extended gains Friday, supported by another day of stronger wholesale beef values and higher cash fed cattle prices.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 97¢ higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of 69¢ higher. Week to week on Friday, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.23 higher. Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.96 higher ($2.12 to $3.97 higher).

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

FOB live prices were $1-$2 higher in the Southern Plains at $192-$193/cwt.

There were some early live FOB trades in the western Corn Belt at $196 and a few dressed delivered trades in Nebraska at $307, but too few to trend.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $195-$195.50 in Nebraska and $195-$196 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.99 higher Friday afternoon at $322.38/cwt. Select was $2.36 higher at $291.13. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $6.53 higher and Select was $5.22 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 434,000 head was 67,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 31 million head was 1.2 million head less (-3.7%) than the same time a year earlier. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 26.4 billion pounds was 169.1 million pounds less (-0.6%).

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Friday.

Corn futures closed mixed, from fractionally higher to 1¢ higher in old-crop contracts and then fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. They were an average of 6’3¢ higher through the front six contracts week to week, supported by demand. Net weekly U.S. export sales of corn were 46% more than the previous week and 39% more than the prior four-week average.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ higher helped along by stronger recent demand. Net weekly U.S. export sales were 34% more than the previous week and 64% more than the prior four-week average.

Soybean futures closed mostly 4¢ to 8¢ lower, giving back some of the previous session’s South American weather premium and pressured by a reminder of lagging demand. Weekly net U.S. export sales were 31% less than the previous week — a marketing year low — and 47% less than the prior four-week average.

December 28th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 27, 2024

Cattle futures were sharply higher Thursday, buoyed by stronger wholesale beef values and the prospects of steady to higher cash fed cattle trade again this week.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.79 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.47 higher.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $191/cwt., in the Southern Plains on a light test, $195-$195.50 in Nebraska and $195-$196 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.41 higher Thursday afternoon at $320.39/cwt. Select was $2.02 higher at $288.77.

Grain and Soybean futures bounced higher Thursday, perhaps with short covering and perceived value buying.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 6¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ higher. Soybean futures were 12¢ to 16¢ higher.  

December 26th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 24-25, 2024

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed Monday with traders appearing to view Friday’s Cattle on Feed report as neutral.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 31¢ higher. Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 42¢ lower to an average of 11¢ 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 $191/cwt., in the Southern Plains on a light test, $195-$195.50 in Nebraska and $195-$196 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $305.

The weekly weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was 42¢ higher at $194.73. The weighted averaged dressed delivered steer price was $2.20 higher at 305.64.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 13¢ higher Monday afternoon at $315.98/cwt. Select was 84¢ higher at $286.75.

The grain complex was mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were mostly 3¢ to 5¢ lower. Corn futures were unchanged to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ higher.

December 23rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 23, 2024

Cattle futures closed higher Friday, helped along by rebounding outside markets and steady to higher cash fed cattle prices.  .

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.26 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.14 higher (62¢ higher at the back to $1.85 higher toward the front).   

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.00 lower ($1.00 to $3.62 lower). Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.63 lower.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were steady in Kansas at $191/cwt., unevenly steady in Nebraska at $195-$195.50 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $195-$196. Dressed delivered prices were $305, which was steady to $5 higher in Nebraska and steady to $3 higher in the western Corn Belt. FOB live prices in the Texas Panhandle the previous week were $191-$192 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.84 lower Friday afternoon at $315.85/cwt. Select was $1.80 higher at $285.91.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 617,000 head was 8,000 head more than the previous week but 4,000 head less than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 30.6 million head was 1.1 million head less (-3.6%) year over year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 26 billion pounds was 121.3 million pounds less (-0.5%).

Soybean futures were 10¢ to 13¢ higher through Aug ’26 and then mostly 7¢ to 8¢ higher, supported by short covering. Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

December 22nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Daily—Dec. 20, 2024

Cattle futures moved lower Thursday with the lack of weekly cash fed cattle trade direction and perhaps wariness over Friday’s Cattle on Feed report.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.97 lower. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.81 lower.       

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill in the Texas Panhandle to light on light demand elsewhere through Thursday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $191-$192/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $191 in Kansas, $195 in Nebraska and $193-$196 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $300-$305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.85 higher Thursday afternoon at $320.69/cwt. Select was $1.44 lower at $284.11.

Grain and Soybean futures closed mixed Thursday, with a bounce in Soybeans after recent aggressive selling.

 

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were 11¢ to 13¢ higher. Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower.

December 19th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 19, 2024

Cattle futures were lower Wednesday as wholesale beef values weakened, outside markets turned negative, and perhaps with some early positioning ahead of Friday’s Cattle on Feed report.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 72¢ lower. Live Cattle futures were an average of 79¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on light demand in Nebraska to inactive on very light demand elsewhere through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $191-$192/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $191 in Kansas, $195 in Nebraska and $193-$196 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $300-$305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 79¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $314.84/cwt. Select was $2.95 lower at $285.55.

Grain and Soybean were lower again on Wednesday, once again led by Soybeans.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were 24¢ to 26¢ lower.

December 18th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 18, 2024

Cattle futures firmed but closed mixed on Tuesday.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.80 higher. Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed from an average of 21¢ lower, to an average of 19¢ higher.

Given the temporary suspension of Mexican cattle imports, and the timing late last month, it will be interesting to see how traders position ahead of Friday’s Cattle on Feed report. Depending on the source, analyst estimates ahead of the report see November placements about 4% less year over year and marketings down about 2%, leaving cattle on feed Dec. 1 about even.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $191-$192/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $191 in Kansas, $195 in Nebraska and $193-$196 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $300-$305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.74 lower Tuesday afternoon at $315.63/cwt. Select was $1.07 lower at $288.50.

Grain and Soybean futures softened Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 8¢ lower.

December 17th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 17, 2024

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

Last, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $191-$192/cwt, steady in Kansas at $191, $4-$6 higher in Nebraska at $196 and $3-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $193-$196. Dressed delivered prices were $3-$8 higher in Nebraska at $300-$305 and $5-$8 higher in the western Corn Belt at $302-$305.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price last week was $3.41 higher at $194.31/cwt. The weighted averaged dressed delivered fed steer price was $6.23 higher at $297.21.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 98¢ higher Monday afternoon at $317.37/cwt. Select was $5.71 higher at $289.57.

Cattle futures closed lower Monday with likely profit taking.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.37 lower. Live Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 75¢ lower across a broad range with most of the pressure in the front three contracts.    

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts,

Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ higher. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 8¢ lower

December 16th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 16, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to inactive on very light demand through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $191-$192/cwt, steady in Kansas at $191 and $4-$5 higher in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt at $195-$196/cwt. Dressed delivered prices were $8 higher in Nebraska at $305 on a light test and $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $302.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.15 higher Friday afternoon at $316.39/cwt. Select was $3.38 higher at $283.86. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $4.35 higher and Select was $7.13 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 609,000 head was 5,000 head fewer than the previous week and 38,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 30 million head was 1.1 million head less (-3.7%). Year-to-date estimated beef production of 25.5 billion pounds was 131.5 million pounds less (-0.5%).

Cattle futures closed mixed Friday, with Live Cattle supported by higher cash fed cattle prices and stronger wholesale beef values.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 66¢ lower. Live Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 93¢ higher in the front four contracts (22¢ to $1.52 higher) to an average of 21¢ lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.09 higher ($1.25 higher at the back to $6.27 higher in spot Dec). During the same period, Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.17 higher (from 55¢ higher at the back to $3.00 higher toward the front).    

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower Friday with likely profit taking and farmer selling.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 5¢ to 8¢ lower.

December 15th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 13, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices climbed higher in the North Thursday where trade was slow with moderate to good demand through the afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Compared to last week, FOB live prices were $4-$5 higher in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt at $195-$196/cwt. For the week, dressed delivered prices are $8 higher in Nebraska at $305 on a light test and $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $302.

Trade in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon was mostly inactive on light demand. FOB live prices in Kansas earlier in the week were steady at $191. FOB live prices in the Texas Panhandle the previous week were $190-$191.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.01 higher Thursday afternoon at $315.24/cwt. Select was $2.37 higher at $280.48.

Cattle futures softened Thursday, with some likely profit taking and despite higher cash fed cattle prices and stronger wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.06 lower. Live Cattle futures were an average of 81¢ lower, except for unchanged in the spot contract.  

Grain and Soybean futures softened Thursday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 5¢ lower with likely profit taking and farmer selling. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally mixed.

December 12th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 12, 2024

Cattle futures continued higher Wednesday amid strong fundamentals and prospects for higher cash fed cattle trade this week.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.63 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.60 higher.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand in the Southern Plains to limited on light demand in the North through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were some early FOB live prices at $193/cwt. in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt but too few to trend.

Established trade so far this week is steady at $191 FOB live in Kansas.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190-$191 in the Texas Panhandle and $190-$192 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $297.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 31¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $311.23/cwt. Select was $1.54 lower at $278.11.

Grain and Soybean futures firmed Wednesday, with follow-through support from the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, offset by chart resistance in Corn.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly fractionally higher. Soybean futures were mostly 3¢ higher.

December 11th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 11, 2024

Cattle futures were strongly higher Tuesday, helped along by early indications of steady to higher cash prices.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.77 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.48 higher.      

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand in Kansas through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were steady at $191/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from mostly inactive to a standstill.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190-$191 in the Texas Panhandle and $190-$192 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $297.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.41 lower Tuesday afternoon at $311.73/cwt. Select was 31¢ higher at $279.65.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Tuesday, benefiting from the friendly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below).

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts,

Corn futures were mostly 6¢ to 7¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 6¢ higher. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher.

December 10th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 10, 2024

Cattle futures were mostly higher Friday, supported by last week’s higher cash fed cattle trade and stronger wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 45¢ higher, except for an average of 12¢ lower at either end of the board. Live Cattle futures were an average of 44¢ higher.

There was no Monday afternoon USDA fed cattle sale summary available at press time.

Last week, FOB live prices were $191/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $191-$192 in Nebraska and $190 in the western Corn Belt.

Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt were $297. Prices in Nebraska the previous week were $295.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer prices last week was 93¢ higher at $190.90. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was 57¢ higher at $297.21.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.10 higher Monday afternoon at $314.14/cwt. Select was $2.61 higher at $279.34.

Grain and Soybean futures closed mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 4¢ lower.

December 9th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 9, 2024

Cattle futures closed mainly higher Friday, boosted by higher cash fed cattle prices and despite USDA announcing a National Milk Testing Strategy aimed at surveillance of the nation’s milk supply and dairy herds for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.04 higher. Live Cattle futures closed an average of 39¢ higher, except for an average of 20¢ lower in two contracts.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.84 lower (60¢ to $2.60 lower). Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.15 lower during the same period.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $1-$3 higher on a light test in the Texas Panhandle at $191/cwt., $1 higher in Kansas at $191, steady to $1 higher in Nebraska at $191-$192 and steady in the western Corn belt at $190.

Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt were $297, which was from $3 higher to $8 lower. Prices in Nebraska the previous week were $295.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.20 higher Friday afternoon at $312.04/cwt. Select was 37¢ lower at $276.73.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 614,000 head was 24,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 29.4 million head was 1.1 million head fewer (-3.6%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 24.9 billion pounds was 108.3 million pounds less (-0.4%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed mixed Friday.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ higher, supported by weekly export sales and perhaps some betting on favorable adjustments in next week’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed 1¢ higher through Dec ’25 and then mostly fractionally lower. Soybean futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

December 8th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 6, 2024

Cattle futures weakened further Thursday sans weekly cash fed cattle direction and sluggish Choice wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.88 lower. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.66 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand in the Southern Plains to slow on light demand in the North through Thursday afternoon with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190-$192 in Nebraska and $185-$190 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $290 in Nebraska and $294-$305 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 49¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $307.84/cwt. Select was 60¢ lower at $277.10.

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Thursday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher, supported by weekly export sales that were 63% more than the previous week and 4% more than the prior-four-week average. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ to 11¢ higher. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 10¢ higher.

December 5th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 5, 2025

Cattle futures tracked lower Wednesday as traders await the week’s cash fed cattle direction and Choice wholesale beef values struggle.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.46 lower.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 91¢ lower.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190-$192 in Nebraska and $185-$190 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $290 in Nebraska and $294-$305 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.50 lower Wednesday afternoon at $308.33/cwt. Select was $2.37 higher at $277.70.

Grain and Soybean futures continued mixed again Wednesday with overall pressure including the strength of the U.S. dollar and uncertainty related to the coming shift in presidential administrations

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally higher to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower.

December 4th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 4, 2024

Cattle futures found some footing Tuesday, led by Feeder Cattle as the CME Feeder Cattle Index continued to rise — up about $5 in the last two days.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.48 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of 73¢ 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 $190/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190-$192 in Nebraska and $185-$190 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $290 in Nebraska and $294-$305 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.68 lower Wednesday afternoon at $309.33/cwt. Select was $1.67 lower at $275.33.

Grain and Soybean futures closed mixed again Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 6¢ higher.

December 3rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 3, 2024

Cattle futures softened Monday, led by Feeder Cattle, perhaps pressured by profit taking.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.31 lower. Live Cattle futures were an average of 40¢ lower, except for an average of 20¢ higher in the back two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in all regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $190/cwt., $3-$4 higher in Kansas at $190, $3-$4 higher in Nebraska at $190-$192 and $2-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $185-$190. Dressed delivered prices were $5 higher in Nebraska at $290 and $4-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $294-$305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.49 higher Monday afternoon at $313.01/cwt. Select was $2.70 higher at $277.00.

Grain and Soybean futures closed mixed Monday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 6¢ lower.

December 2nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Dec. 2, 2024

Cattle futures closed mainly higher Friday, with week-to-week gains supported by stronger cash fed cattle prices and wholesale beef values.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.24 higher. Week to week, they were an average of $4.60 higher; an average of $11.51 higher over the past two weeks.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 51¢ higher (2¢ to 75¢ higher), except for 2¢ lower in spot Dec. Week to week they were an average of $1.19 higher.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $190/cwt., $3-$4 higher in Kansas at $190, $3-$4 higher in Nebraska at $190-$192 and $2-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $185-$190. Dressed delivered prices were $5 higher in Nebraska at $290 and $4-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $294-$305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 74¢ lower Friday afternoon at $310.52/cwt. Select was unchanged at $274.30. Week to week, Choice was $3.11 higher and Select was up $2.23.

Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 28.7 million head was 1.1 million head less (-3.6%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production was 110.5 million pounds less (-0.5%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed mixed Friday.

Corn futures closed 3¢ to 7¢ higher through Jly ’25 and then mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

Kansas City Wheat futures closed mostly 2¢ to 5¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 2¢ to 3¢ lower.

December 1st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 28-29, 2024

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

FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in all regions, which was $2-$3 higher in the Texas Panhandle, $3-$4 higher in Kansas, $2-$3 higher in Nebraska and $2-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices last week were at $290 in Nebraska and $290-$300 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 31¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $311.26/cwt. Select was $1.19 lower at $274.30.

Cattle futures closed higher Wednesday, supported by stronger cash fed cattle prices. Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 75¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 88¢ higher.

November 27th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 27, 2024

Feeder Cattle futures continued higher Tuesday, buoyed in part by the temporary suspension of live cattle imports from Mexico (see below).

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.74 higher. Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 19¢ lower in four contracts to an average of 21¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand to a standstill in all regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186-$187/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $187-$188 in Nebraska and $186-$188 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $290 in Nebraska and $290-$300 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.86 higher Tuesday afternoon at $311.57/cwt. Select was $1.75 higher at $275.49.

Turning to the grain complex, futures were mixed. Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 2¢ lower to 2¢ higher.

November 26th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 26, 2024

Feeder Cattle futures gained on Monday, due in part to USDA’s temporary suspension of imports and transit of live cattle from Mexico after the positive detection of New World screwworm in that nation (see below).

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.13 higher, except for 45¢ lower in the back contract. Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed: unchanged to an average of 27¢ lower through the front four contracts and then an average of 23¢ higher.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $186/cwt., $1-$2 higher in Kansas at $186-$187, $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $187-$188 and $1-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $186-$188. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $290 in Nebraska and $290-$300 in the western Corn Belt.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB fed steer price last week was $1.60 higher at $186.39/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was 72¢ higher at $291.56.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.30 higher Monday afternoon at $309.71/cwt. Select was $1.67 higher at $273.74.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 6¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were 2¢ higher.

November 25th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 25, 2024

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $186/cwt., $1-$2 higher in Kansas at $186-$187, $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $187-$188 and $1-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $186-$188. Dressed delivered prices were steady in Nebraska at $290. The previous week dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt were $290-$300.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 62¢ higher Friday afternoon at $307.41/cwt. Select was 85¢ lower at $272.07. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $4.07 higher, but Select was $4.07 lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 631,000 head was 25,000 head more than the previous week. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 28.2 million head was 975,000 head fewer (-3.3%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date beef production of 23.9 billion pounds was 27.8 million pounds fewer (-0.1%) than the same time last year.

Cattle futures continued higher Friday, bolstered by the week’s firmer Choice wholesale beef value and steady to stronger cash fed cattle prices.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.08 higher on Friday and were an average of $6.91 higher week to week.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 48¢ higher Friday. Week to week, they were an average of $3.06 higher.

Grain and Soybean futures continued lower Friday.

Corn futures were mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 2¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 4¢ to 7¢ higher through Nov ‘25 and then mostly 2¢ higher.

November 24th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 22, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand in the North to a standstill in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were some dressed delivered sales in Nebraska at $290/cwt., which was steady with last week.

Last week, FOB live prices were $185/cwt., in all regions. Dressed delivered prices were $290-$300 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 40¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $306.79/cwt. Select was $1.93 higher at $272.92.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 80¢ higher with continued support from improved winter grazing prospects. Live Cattle futures were an average of 23¢ lower with likely pressure from positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Thursday with pressure including the higher U.S. dollar.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower. Soybean futures were 9¢ to 12¢ lower.

November 21st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 20, 2024

Cattle futures continued higher Tuesday, helped along by this week’s firmer Choice wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.50 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.43 higher.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $185/cwt., in all regions. Dressed delivered prices were $290 in Nebraska and $290-$300 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.51 higher Tuesday afternoon at $308.79/cwt. Select was $3.54 lower at $271.91.

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Friday as traders appeared to apply more risk premium based on Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 11¢ lower.  

November 19th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 19, 2024

Cattle futures extended gains Monday, led once again by Feeder Cattle and underpinned by strong cash demand for calves and feeder cattle.

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.41 higher. Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.18 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $185/cwt., in all regions. Dressed delivered prices were $290 in Nebraska and $290-$300 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.94 higher Monday afternoon at $307.28/cwt. Select was 69¢ lower at $275.45.

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Friday as traders appeared to apply more risk premium based on Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 12¢ to 14¢ higher. Soybean futures were 8¢ to 11¢ higher.

November 18th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 18, 2024

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.16 higher on Friday, leading the complex higher. Week to week on Friday, they closed an average of $5.58 higher, buoyed by lower Corn futures and strong cash demand in the country with added support from recent rains in wheat pasture country.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 73¢ higher, except for unchanged in spot Dec. Week to week on Friday, they closed an average of $1.39 higher, except for an average of 40¢ lower in the front two contracts.

That was despite weaker negotiated cash fed cattle prices.

For the week, FOB live prices were $185/cwt., which was $2 lower in the Southern Plains, $1-$2 lower in Nebraska and steady to $3 lower in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $4 lower at $290.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 46¢ lower Friday afternoon at $303.34/cwt. Select was 52¢ lower at $276.14.

Total estimated cattle slaughter last week of 606,000 head was 13,000 head fewer than the previous week and 33,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 27.6 million head was 1.1 million head fewer (-3.7%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 23.4 billion pounds was 125.7 million pounds less (-0.5%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Friday on likely corrective buying.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 5¢ higher through Jly ’25 and then 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 4¢ to 8¢ higher. Soybean futures closed mostly 5¢ to 8¢ higher.

November 17th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 15, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light to moderate demand in the North through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Based on the latest established trends, FOB live prices are $1-$2 lower in Nebraska at $185/cwt. and $3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $182-$185. Dressed delivered prices are $4 lower at $290.

Trade was limited on light demand in the Southern Plains. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades at $185. Prices last week were $187.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.14 lower Thursday afternoon at $303.80/cwt. Select was $2.00 lower at $276.66.

Cattle futures were mostly lower Thursday, pressured by lower cash fed cattle prices and sluggish wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 95¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 56¢ lower, except for $1.22 higher in spot Nov and unchanged at the back.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Thursday, with pressure from the stronger U.S. Dollar and positive growing conditions.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 7¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were 14¢ to 19¢ lower.

November 14th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 14, 2024

Cattle futures mainly edged higher Wednesday, awaiting established weekly cash fed cattle trade.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 15¢ lower in the front three contracts to an average of 15¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 59¢ higher, except for 35¢ lower in spot Nov.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early dressed delivered sales in Nebraska at $290/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $3 lower in the Southern Plains at $187/cwt., $3-$4 lower in Nebraska at $186-$187 and $2-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $185-$188. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$4 lower in Nebraska at $294 and $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.33 lower Wednesday afternoon at $306.94/cwt. Select was $1.26 lower at $278.66.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Wednesday, with continued pressure from the stronger U.S. Dollar.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower.

November 13th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 13. 2024

Cattle futures extended gains Tuesday, supported by another day of firmer Choice boxed beef cutout values and likely short covering.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 96¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.56 higher.

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 $3 lower in the Southern Plains at $187/cwt. and $3-$4 lower in Nebraska at $186-$187 and $2-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $185-$188. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$4 lower in Nebraska at $294 and $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 6¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $308.27/cwt. Select was $1.92 higher at $279.92.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday, with likely pressure from the stronger U.S. Dollar, profit taking and producer selling.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 11¢ to 13¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 8¢ to 13¢ lower.

November 12th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 12. 2024

Cattle futures found some footing Monday, helped along by the firmer boxed beef cutout values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 21¢ higher, except for unchanged in spot Dec and $1.00 higher at the back of the board. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 87¢ 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 $3 lower in the Southern Plains at $187/cwt. and $3-$4 lower in Nebraska at $186-$187 and $2-$5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $185-$188. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$4 lower in Nebraska at $294 and $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $294.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price last week was $3.29 lower at $186.53. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $3.84 lower at $293.13.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 28¢ higher Monday afternoon at $308.21/cwt. Select was $2.65 higher at $281.84.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Monday, presumably pressured by a higher U.S. dollar, farmer selling and sharply lower crude oil prices.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 9¢ lower.

November 11th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 11, 2024

Cattle futures closed sharply lower Friday, pressured by lower cash prices, lower wholesale beef values and the Goldman role.

Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.38 lower. Week to week on Friday, they ranged from an average of $1.31 lower in the front four contracts to an average of 93¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.33 lower Friday. Week to week, they were an average of $1.28 lower, except for an average of 20¢ higher in the back two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska to light on light demand in other major cattle feeding regions through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

FOB live prices were $3 lower in the Southern Plains at $187/cwt. and $2-$4 lower in Nebraska at $186-$188. Although too few to trend, there were some early trades in the western Corn Belt at $185-$186, where prices the previous week were $190.

Dressed delivered prices the previous week were $296-$298 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.53 lower Friday afternoon at $307.93/cwt. Select was 53¢ lower at $279.19.

Week to week on Friday, Choice boxed beef cutout value was $8.41 lower at $307.93/cwt. Select was $5.84 lower at $279.19. Over the past two weeks, Choice was down $14.31 and Select was $15.89 lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 619,000 head was 4,000 head more than the previous week but 4,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 27 million head was 1 million head fewer (-3.7%) than the same period last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 22.9 billion pounds was 117.5 million pounds less (-0.5%).

Turning to the grain complex, futures were mixed.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 4¢ to 6¢ higher through Jan ’26 and then mainly fractionally lower.

November 9th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 8, 2024

Cattle futures extended gains Thursday with follow-through support from outside markets.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 83¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 82¢ higher, except for unchanged in spot Nov.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in all regions with dressed delivered prices at $296-$298 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $6.13 lower Thursday afternoon at $309.46/cwt. Select was $3.48 lower at $279.72.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed again Thursday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were 17¢ to 23¢ higher, boosted by weekly soybean oil exports. Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower.

November 7th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 7, 2024

Cattle futures were higher Wednesday, buoyed by aggressively stronger equity markets.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.04 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.64 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 $190/cwt. in all regions with dressed delivered prices at $296-$298 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.62 lower Wednesday afternoon at $315.59/cwt. Select was $2.04 lower at $283.20.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 8¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures were mixed, from 2¢ lower to 3¢ higher.

November 6th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 6, 2024

Cattle futures eased higher Tuesday, helped along by more bullish outside markets.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 28¢ higher, except for 25¢ lower in spot Dec. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 40¢ higher, except for 12¢ lower in spot Nov and no trade in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand in the western Corn Belt to a standstill in other major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in all regions with dressed delivered prices at $296-$298 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 30¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $317.21/cwt. Select was $1.92 lower at $285.24.

Grain and Soybean futures were stronger Tuesday with follow-through support from positive export sales.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 6¢ higher. Soybean futures 2¢ to 7¢ higher.

November 5th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 5, 2024

Cattle futures were lower Monday with likely technical pressure and uncertainty ahead of the election.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 75¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 94¢ lower.

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 $190/cwt. with dressed delivered prices at $296-$298 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was 23¢ lower at $189.82. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $1.93 lower at $296.97.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 34¢ higher Monday afternoon at $316.91/cwt. Select was $2.13 higher at $287.16.

Grain and Soybean futures were stronger Monday bolstered by positive export sales.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally mixed to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally higher to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher.

November 4th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Nov. 4, 2024

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 15¢ higher, except for an average of 54¢ lower on either end of the board. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.64 higher, supported by strong cash trade.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.11 lower and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.77 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on very light 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 are steady to $1 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $190/cwt. and steady in other regions at $190. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $2 lower at $296-$298 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.26 lower Friday afternoon at $316.34/cwt. Select was 34¢ lower at $285.03. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $5.90 lower and Select was $10.05 lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 615,000 head was 8,000 head fewer than the previous week and 21,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 26.4 million head was 1.0 million less (-3.8%) than the same period last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 22.3 billion pounds was 140.2 million pounds less (-0.6%).

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Friday with support from recent export sales but continued harvest pressure and uncertainty surrounding the impending election.

Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher through Jly ’25 and then unchanged to fractionally mixed. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.

November 2nd, 2024|

Cattle Currrent Podcast—Nov. 1, 2024

Live Cattle futures were mixed Thursday and Feeder Cattle futures were lower with pressure from recently lower wholesale beef prices and month-end position squaring.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures ranged from an average of 12¢ lower in three contracts to an average of 50¢ higher, except for $4.60 higher in expiring Oct. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 62¢ lower, except for 17¢ higher in new spot Nov and $1.02 higher in expiring Oct.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand in Nebraska to a standstill in the Texas Panhandle through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are steady to $1 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $190/cwt. and steady in other regions at $190. Dressed delivered prices are steady to $2 lower at $296-$298 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.84 lower Thursday afternoon at $317.60/cwt. Select was $3.95 lower at $285.37.

Corn and Soybean futures received support from export sales Thursday. For the week ending Oct. 24, net U.S. corn export sales were 7% higher than the previous four-week average and net U.S. soybean sales were 39% more than the prior four-week average.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ higher. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 7¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ lower, pressured by the wetter outlook for winter wheat areas of the country.

October 31st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 31, 2024

Cattle futures continued to move lower Wednesday with weaker wholesale beef values and likely technical correction.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.31 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.14 lower, except for 82¢ higher in expiring Oct.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light to moderate, on moderate demand in the Western Corn Belt through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB Live prices were steady to $1 lower at $189-190/cwt. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $298 in a light test.

Elsewhere, trade was slow on light to moderate demand. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live sales at $190 in the Southern Plains.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190-$191/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle $190 in Kansas and mostly $190 in Nebraska, where dressed delivered prices were $298.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.17 lower Wednesday afternoon at $319.44/cwt. Select was 64¢ lower at $289.32.

Heading toward the close Wednesday, through Sep ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were mostly 10¢ to 12¢ higher on likely short covering. Corn futures fractionally mixed to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher.

October 30th, 2024|

Cattle Futures Podcast—Oct. 30, 2024

Cattle futures ran out of steam Tuesday with technical pressure and lower wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.32 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.76 lower, except for 7¢ higher in spot Oct.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $190-$191/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle $190 in Kansas and mostly $190 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $298 and $2-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $298-$300 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.89 lower Tuesday afternoon at $320.61/cwt. Select was $2.22 lower at $289.96.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Kansas City Wheat futures were 12¢ to 13¢ higher Tuesday with the bearish crop rating in Monday’s Weekly Crop Progress report indicating, 38% was in Good (33%) or Excellent (5%) condition versus 47% at the same time last year. 23% was rated as Poor (16%) of Very Poor (7%) compared to 18% a year earlier.

Corn futures were fractionally higher to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 8¢ lower.

October 29th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 29, 2024

Cattle futures were higher Monday, shrugging off Friday’s Cattle on Feed report, supported by high cash trade.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 24¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 86¢ 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-$3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $190-$191/cwt., mostly $2 higher in Kansas at mainly $190 and $2-$3 higher in the North at mostly $190. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $298 and $2-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $298-$300 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.26 higher Monday afternoon at $323.50/cwt. Select was $2.90 lower at $292.18.

October 28th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 28, 2024

Feeder Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Friday with likely trepidation ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report (see below). On Friday, Feeder Cattle closed from an average of 12¢ higher across the front half of the board to an average of 32¢ lower across the back half. They were also narrowly mixed in early-Monday trading.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 11¢ lower, except for 40¢ higher in spot Oct and unchanged in April.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.09 higher (27¢ to $2.07 higher). Feeder Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 80¢ higher in the front three contracts to an average of $1.60 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand in the North to inactive on very light demand the Southern Plains through Friday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend.

For the week, FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $190-$191/cwt., mostly $2 higher in Kansas at mainly $190 and $2-$3 higher in the North at mostly $190. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $298 and $2-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $298-$300 in a light test.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer was $2.44 higher at $190.05. The average dressed delivered steer price was $2.69 higher at $298.90.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.07 higher Friday afternoon at $322.24/cwt. Select was 74¢ higher at $295.08. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $1.59 higher and Select was 88¢ higher. 

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 623,000 head was 15,000 head more than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 25.7 million head was 1 million head less (-3.8%). Year-to-date beef production of 21.8 billion pounds was 146.5 million pounds less (-0.7%).

October 28th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 24. 2024

Feeder Cattle futures softened Wednesday. Perhaps some of the softness had to do with the announcement yesterday that an E. coli outbreak in several states had been linked to a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder; more specifically, slivered onions (see below).

Toward the close, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.95 lower. Live Cattle futures were an average of 16¢ lower, except for 5¢ higher in away-Oct.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $188/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $187-$188 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $296.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.55 lower Wednesday afternoon at $321.41/cwt. Select was 97¢ higher at $295.77.

Turning to the grain complex, toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were little changed. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 6¢ higher.

October 23rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 23, 2024

Cattle futures gained Tuesday, with support from the continued increase in Choice boxed beef cutout values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 89¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.33 higher

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $188/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $187-$188 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $296.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.10 higher Tuesday afternoon at $323.96/cwt. Select was $1.41 lower at $294.80.

Corn and Soybean futures were higher again Tuesday with follow-through support.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts,

Corn futures were 4¢ to 7¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 12¢ higher.

October 22nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 22, 2024

Cattle futures softened Monday, likely nudging chart resistance and perhaps with some early positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 50¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.10 lower.

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 mainly $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt. and steady in the North at $187-$188/cwt. with dressed delivered prices also steady at $296.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live fed steer price last week was $187.61/cwt., which was 40¢ more than the previous week. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was 29¢ higher at $296.21.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.21 higher Monday afternoon at $322.86/cwt. Select was $2.01 higher at $296.21.

Corn and Soybean futures were higher Monday, helped by recent export sales.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 3¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 10¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 1¢ higher.

October 21st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 21, 2024

Cattle futures closed higher Friday, helped along by lower grain futures prices, stronger wholesale beef prices and the week’s steady-to-higher cash trade.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 83¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.98 higher. However, week to week on Friday, Live Cattle were an average of 65¢ lower and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.50 lower, unable to overcome the early-week technical correction.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mainly $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt. and steady in the North at $187-$188/cwt. with dressed delivered prices also steady at $296.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.39 higher Friday afternoon at $320.65/cwt. Select was 68¢ higher at $294.20. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $9.48 higher and Select was $5.48 higher, with the Choice-Select spread the widest on Friday since last October.

Turning to the grain complex, Wheat and Soybean futures closed lower with improving weather in South America, harvest pressure, the stronger U.S. dollar and chatter that Russia was going to begin exporting wheat.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 11¢ to 15¢ lower. Soybean futures were 12¢ to 18¢ lower through Jly ’25 and then 10¢ to 11¢ lower. Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

October 20th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 16, 2024

Cattle futures closed lower Tuesday, with likely profit taking and technical correcting. Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.19 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.08 lower

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 $186-$187/cwt. in the Southern Plains and  $187-$188 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $296.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.51 higher Tuesday afternoon at $316.83/cwt. Select was $2.99 higher at $292.09.

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower again, amid harvest pressure and lower outside markets, including Crude Oil.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 7¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 7¢ to 9¢ lower.

October 15th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 15, 2024

Cattle futures closed mostly higher Monday, supported by Choice wholesale beef values and softer Corn futures.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 26¢ higher, except for 40¢ lower in spot Oct. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 79¢ higher, except for an average of 51¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were generally steady to $1 higher at $186-$187/cwt. in Kansas, $187 in the Texas Panhandle and $187-$188 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $296.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was 32¢ higher at $187.21/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was 8¢ lower at $295.92.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.10 higher Monday afternoon at $313.32/cwt. Select was 38¢ higher at $289.10.

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower Monday, with pressure including a positive South American weather outlook and the recently stronger U.S. dollar.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 8¢ to 9¢ lower through. Kansas City Wheat futures were 13¢ to 14¢ lower. Soybean futures were 9¢ to 10¢ lower.

October 14th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 14, 2024

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Negotiated cash fed cattle prices ended last week generally steady to $1 higher. FOB live prices were generally $186-$187/cwt. in Kansas, $187 in the Texas Panhandle and $187-$188 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $296.

Cattle futures closed mixed on Friday but higher week to week. Live Cattle futures were an average of 25¢ lower, except for unchanged in away Dec. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 48¢ higher (5¢ to $1.05 higher), except for an average of 34¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.03 higher (25¢ to $1.70 higher). Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.69 higher (7¢ to $4.60 higher).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.27 higher Friday afternoon at $311.12/cwt. Select was $2.01 lower at $288.72. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $8.64 higher and Select was $1.11 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 586,000 head was 25,000 head fewer than the previous week and 30,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 24.5 million head was 975,000 head fewer (-3.8%). Year-to-date beef production of 20.7 billion pounds was 152.7 million pounds less (-0.7%).

Turning to crops, Grain and Soybean futures closed lower Friday, lacking support from the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures closed mostly 10¢ to 11¢ lower.

October 13th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 11, 2024

Cattle futures gained Thursday, with steady to stronger cash fed cattle prices and higher wholesale beef values.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 66¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.16 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to moderate on moderate demand through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $186-$187/cwt. and steady in the North at $187. Dressed delivered prices are steady at $296.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186 in the Texas Panhandle.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.77 higher Thursday afternoon at $309.95/cwt. Select was $2.10 higher at $290.73.

Corn and soybean futures were lower Thursday with harvest pressure and more positive weather in South America. There was also likely positioning ahead of the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates due out on Friday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 6¢ lower.

October 10th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 10, 2024

Cattle futures were lower Wednesday, with overbought conditions and the lack of weekly cash direction.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 73¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.11 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand in the western Corn Belt through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. There were a few FOB live trades at $187/cwt., but too few to trend. Elsewhere, trade was at a standstill.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186 in the Southern Plains, $187 in Nebraska and $187-$188 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $296.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.34 higher Wednesday afternoon at $308.18/cwt. Select was 2¢ higher at $288.63.

Turning to grains, toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally mixed. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 2¢ to 5¢ higher.

October 9th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 9, 2024

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 54¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.51 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 $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt., steady in Nebraska at $187 and mostly steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $187-$188. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $296 and $2-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $296.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 91¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $306.84/cwt. Select was 72¢ lower at $288.61.

Corn and soybean futures were lower Tuesday with harvest pressure and a more positive planting outlook for South America.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 2¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were 15¢ to 19¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower.

October 8th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 7, 2024

Cattle futures closed higher Friday, helped along by more bullish outside markets, indications of stronger cash trade and perhaps added confidence from the resolution to the dock strikes, at least for now.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 63¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.48 higher (45¢ to $2.25 higher). Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.97 higher and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.78 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade and demand were moderate in the Southern Plains through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $1 higher  at $186/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was slow on light demand with too few transactions to trend.

Last week FOB Live prices were mostly $187 in Nebraska and $186-$187 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $292-$294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.78 higher Friday afternoon at $302.58/cwt. Select was $4.32 higher at $287.61.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 611,000 head was 1,000 head fewer than the previous week and 16,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 23.9 million head was 950,000 head fewer (-3.8%) than the same period a year earlier. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 20.2 billion pounds was 150.1 million pounds less (-0.7%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower again Friday with harvest pressure.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 11¢ to 13¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 7¢ to 8¢ lower.

October 6th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 4, 2024

Cattle futures were mixed Thursday, awaiting the week’s cash direction.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 72¢ lower, except for an average of 19¢ higher in the back three contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 34¢ higher, except for an average of 66¢ lower in the front two contracts.

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

Last week FOB Live prices were $185/cwt. in the Southern Plains, mostly $187 in Nebraska and $186-$187 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $292-$294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 1¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $299.80/cwt. Select was 28¢ lower at $268.78.

Net U.S. beef export sales the week ending Sept. 26 of 22,500 metric tons for 2024 were up noticeably from the previous week and up 68% from the prior four-week average. Increases were primarily for South Korea, China, Mexico, Japan and Taiwan.

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower Thursday, likely pressured by producer selling and profit taking.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 6¢ lower.

October 3rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 3, 2024

Cattle futures gained Wednesday with expanding open interest from fund buying.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.59 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.00 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly 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 $185/cwt. in the Southern Plains, mostly $187 in Nebraska and $186-$187 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $292-$294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 36¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $299.81/cwt. Select was $1.37 lower at $283.93.

Grain futures closed higher Wednesday, led by wheat with weather and war premium.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 17¢ to 19¢ higher. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

October 2nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 2, 2024

There was no afternoon USDA fed cattle report available at press time.

Last week, FOB Live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $185/cwt., $2 higher in Nebraska at $186-$187 and steady to $3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $185-$187. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $2-$4 higher in Nebraska at mainly $294 and $4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $294 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.09 higher Tuesday afternoon at $300.17/cwt. Select was 77¢ higher at $285.30.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 31¢ higher, except for unchanged in two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 64¢ lower, except for unchanged at either end of the board, pressured by another day of higher Corn futures.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 12¢ to 15¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally mixed.   

October 1st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 1, 2024

There was no afternoon USDA fed cattle report available at press time.

Last week, FOB Live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $185/cwt., $2 higher in Nebraska at $186-$187 and steady to $3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $185-$187. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $2-$4 higher in Nebraska at mainly $294 and $4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $294 in a light test.

The weekly weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was $2.14 higher week to week at $186.15/cwt. The weekly weighted average dressed delivered steer prices was $3.12 higher at $293.53.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.39 higher Monday afternoon at $298.08/cwt. Select was $2.45 higher at $284.53.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures closed were an average of 38¢ higher with follow-through support from last week’s higher cash fed cattle prices.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 93¢ lower except for 17¢ higher at the back with pressure from higher Corn futures.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 6¢ higher, buoyed by the neutral to friendly Grain Stocks report and likely quarter-end short covering. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 7¢ higher. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 9¢ lower on an improved South American weather outlook.  

September 30th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 30, 2024

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

For the week, FOB Live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $185/cwt., $2 higher in Nebraska at $186-$187 and steady to $3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $185-$187. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $2-$4 higher in Nebraska at mainly $294 and $4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $294 in a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 32¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $296.69/cwt. Select was 29¢ lower at $282.08.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 612,000 head was 2,000 head more than the previous week and the same as the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 23.3 million head was 938,000 fewer (-3.9%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 19.7 billion pounds was 163.9 million pounds less (-0.8%).

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 26¢ lower to an average of 14¢ higher in three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 31¢ higher except for 47¢ lower at the back.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.48 higher and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.08 higher.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Friday, ahead of Monday’s Grain Stocks report and perhaps with some month- and quarter-end squaring.

Corn futures were mostly 3¢ to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 1¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 20¢ to 24¢ higher through Jly ’25 and then mostly 12¢ to 18¢ higher.

September 29th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 25, 2024

Cattle futures were mixed but mostly higher Tuesday, supported by recently firmer wholesale beef prices stemming from slower packer production.

Recently firm and higher wholesale beef prices, as packers slow production, helped Cattle futures mostly extend gains Monday.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures closed an average of an average of 26¢ higher, except for an average of 3¢ lower in three contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 40¢ higher, except for an average of 6¢ lower in two contracts.

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 $183/cwt. in the Southern Plains and $184-$185 in the north. Dressed delivered prices were $290-$292 in Nebraska and $290 in the western Corn Belt on a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 8¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $301.89/cwt. Select was 92¢ lower at $286.87.

Grain and soybean futures closed mixed Tuesday.

Toward the close and through Sep ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher.

September 24th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 24, 2024

Cattle futures furthered gains Monday with follow-through support from last week, as well as the neutral Cattle on Feed report.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures closed an average of an average of 88¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 75¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in the Southern Plains at $183/cwt. and $1-$2 higher in the North at $184-$185. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $290-$292 and from $2 higher to $4 lower in the western Corn belt at $290 in a light test.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was $1.90 higher at $184.01. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was 20¢ lower at $290.41.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.62 higher Monday afternoon at $301.81/cwt. Select was 80¢ lower at $287.79.

Soybeans rallied Monday, boosted by thoughts that China’s easing monetary policy would spur demand. Corn and wheat followed with added support from South American weather worries.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were 24¢ to 27¢ higher. Corn futures were 10¢ to 11¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 12¢ to 13¢ higher.

September 23rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 23, 2024

Cattle futures continued higher Friday, spurred along by higher cash fed cattle prices.  

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.01 higher across a wide range, from 5¢ higher at the back to $2.50 higher in spot Oct, except for 10¢ lower in away Dec.

Feeder Cattle futures were mixed Friday, closing from an average of 37¢ higher in five contracts to an average of 48¢ lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.92 higher, and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.52 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand in the Texas Panhandle through Friday afternoon with FOB live prices $2 higher at $183/cwt., according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Trade and demand were moderate in Kansas with FOB live prices $2-$3 higher at $183.

Trade and demand were moderate in the North. FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $184 and $1-$2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $184-$185. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $290-$292. Dressed delivered prices the previous week were $288-$294 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 63¢ higher Friday afternoon at $300.19/cwt. Select was 33¢ higher at $288.59.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 610,000 head was 10,000 head fewer than the previous week and 17,000 head fewer than the previous year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 22.7 million head was 943,000 head fewer (-4%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 19.1 billion pounds was 192.9 million pounds less (-1%).

Harvest pressure continued to weigh on grain futures Friday.

Corn futures were mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 1¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

September 22nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Oct. 20, 2024

Cattle futures bounced higher Thursday with support from bullish outside markets and perhaps with some positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 94¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures an average of $2.64 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill through Thursday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, live FOB prices were $181/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $180-$181 in Kansas, $181-$182 in Nebraska and $182-$183 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $288-$294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.82 lower Thursday afternoon at $299.56/cwt. Select was $1.49 lower at $288.26.

Net 2024 U.S. beef export sales of 15,500 metric tons for the week ending Sept. 12 were 36% more than the previous week and 2% more than the prior four-week average, according to USDA’s weekly report. Increases were primarily for South Korea, China, Japan, Canada and Mexico.

Harvest pressure and anemic export sales weighed on grain futures Thursday.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 7¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 11¢ to 13¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.

September 19th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 19, 2024

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Wednesday as traders waited for weekly cash direction.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 25¢ higher, except for unchanged and 32¢ lower on either end of the board. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 28¢ higher, except for an average of 9¢ lower in three contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, live FOB prices were $181/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $180-$181 in Kansas, $181-$182 in Nebraska and $182-$183 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $288-$294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.53 lower Wednesday afternoon at $301.38/cwt. Select was $2.47 lower at $289.75.

Heading toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Grain futures were mixed Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts. Corn futures were fractionally mixed. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 5¢ to 8¢ higher, supported by early reports of lower yields than expected.

September 18th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 18, 2024

Cattle futures gained Tuesday.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.11 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.80 higher

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, live FOB prices were $181/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $180-$181 in Kansas, $181-$182 in Nebraska and $182-$183 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $288-$294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 66¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $303.91/cwt. Select was 8¢ higher at $292.22.

Heading toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, grain futures were narrowly changed. Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally higher. Soybean futures were 2¢ higher.

September 17th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 17, 2024

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Monday, with Live Cattle edging lower and Feeder Cattle mostly eking out gains.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 21¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 30¢ higher, except for unchanged and 32¢ lower in two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, Live FOB prices were steady to $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $181/cwt., steady to $1 lower in Kansas at $180-$181, mostly steady in Nebraska at $181-$182 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $182-$183.

Dressed delivered prices were steady to $6 higher in Nebraska at $288-$294 and steady to $8 higher in the western Corn Belt at $288-$294.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was 93¢ higher at $182.11/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered price was $3.07 higher at $290.61.

Grain futures were lower Monday amid the improved international weather outlook and potential profit taking.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 18¢ to 19¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ lower.

September 16th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 16, 2024

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Friday, ending a week of recovery.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 15¢ higher, except for unchanged to 37¢ lower in the front three contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 38¢ lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.56 higher, gaining back a little more than what was lost the previous week. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $6.70 higher ($5.72 to $8.17 higher) during the same period.

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

For the week, Live FOB prices are steady to $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $181/cwt., steady to $1 lower in Kansas at $180-$181, mostly steady in Nebraska at $181-$182 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $182-$183.

Dressed delivered prices were steady to $6 higher in Nebraska at $288-$294 and $2-$6 higher in the western Corn Belt at $288-$294.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.27 lower Friday afternoon at $304.91/cwt. Select was $1.47 lower at $294.17.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 620,000 head was 78,000 more than the previous holiday-shortened week, but 11,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 22.1 million head was 932,000 head fewer (-4.1%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 18.6 billion pounds was 204.1 million pounds less (-1.1%).

Corn futures faded the increased yield projections in Thursday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures were mostly 3¢ to 6¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ to 13¢ higher. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 5¢ lower.

September 15th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 13, 2024

Cattle futures gained Thursday, supported by steady to higher cash prices and a late-day bounce in outside markets.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 87¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.67 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to mostly inactive on light demand through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, Live FOB prices are steady to $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $181/cwt. and steady to $1 lower in Kansas at $180-$181.

Last week, FOB live prices were $180-$181 in Nebraska and $180-$183 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $288 in Nebraska and $286-$288 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 18¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $307.18/cwt. Select was $1.26 higher at $295.64.

Corn futures faded the increased yield projections in Thursday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher 7¢ higher in expiring spot Sept. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly fractionally lower. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 11¢ higher.

September 12th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept 12, 2024

Cattle futures gained Wednesday with apparent optimism about the potential for higher cash fed cattle prices this week.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 71¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.62 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, Live FOB prices were $180-$181/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $181 in Kansas, $180-$181 in Nebraska and $180-$183 in the western Corn Belt

Dressed delivered prices were $288 in Nebraska and $286-$288 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 87¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $307.36/cwt. Select was $2.63 lower at $294.38.

Corn and Soybean futures edged higher in nearby contracts Wednesday, as traders prepared for Thursday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher.

September 11th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 11, 2024

Cattle futures hovered amid two-sided trading Tuesday.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 34¢ lower in the front four contracts to an average of 28¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 49¢ higher, except for 2¢ lower in Mar.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, Live FOB prices were $180-$181/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $181 in Kansas, $180-$181 in Nebraska and $180-$183 in the western Corn Belt

Dressed delivered prices were $288 in Nebraska and $286-$288 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 29¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $308.23/cwt. Select was $1.48 lower at $297.01.

Corn and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday, pressured by the yield outlook and weaker crude oil prices.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts.

Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures were 17¢ to 20¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ higher.

September 10th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 10, 2024

More bullish outside markets helped Cattle futures bounce back Monday.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.91 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.87 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, Live FOB prices were $2-$3 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $180-$181/cwt., $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $181, $3-$4 lower in Nebraska at $180-$181 and steady to $5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $180-$183.

Dressed delivered prices were steady to $4 lower in Nebraska at $288 and $2-$4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $286-$288.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $2.63 lower at $181.18/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $2.75 lower at $287.54.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 89¢ lower Monday afternoon at $308.52/cwt. Select was $2.36 higher at $298.49.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Monday with apparent short covering providing support.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ lower, except for 5¢ higher in spot Sep. Soybean futures were 10¢ to 14¢ higher.

September 9th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept 9, 2024

Negative outside markets and softer cash fed cattle prices helped pressure Cattle futures again Friday. Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.83 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.60 lower. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of $3.09 lower and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $7.30 lower.

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

For the week, Live FOB prices were $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $181/cwt., $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $181, $4 lower in Nebraska at $180 and steady to $5 lower in the western Corn Belt at $180-$183.

Dressed delivered prices were steady to $4 lower in Nebraska at $288 and $2-$4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $286-$288.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.10 lower Friday afternoon, at $309.41/cwt. Select was 66¢ lower at $296.12.

Estimated total cattle slaughter during the holiday-shortened week of 542,000 was 69,000 head fewer than the previous week and 17,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 21.4 million head was 926,000 head fewer (-4.1%) than the same period a year earlier. Total estimated year-to-date beef production of 18 billion pounds was 216.2 million pounds less (-1.2%).

Grain and Soybean futures closed lower Friday amid pressure from lower outside markets and wonderments about next week’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 6¢ lower. However, Corn futures closed an average of 6’2¢ higher through the front six contracts week to week on Friday. That’s an average of about 15¢ higher in those contracts over the past two weeks.

On Friday, Kansas City Wheat futures closed 10¢ to 11¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 15¢ to 19¢ lower.

September 8th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 6, 2024

Cattle futures closed lower Thursday, pressured by lower cash fed cattle prices in the South and skittish outside markets.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.64 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.23 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle to slow on light to moderate demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Live FOB prices were $181/cwt., which was $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle and $1-$2 lower in Kansas.

Elsewhere, trade was slow on light demand with too few transactions to trend.

Last week, FOB live prices were $184 in Nebraska and $183-$185 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $288-$292.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 9¢ lower Thursday afternoon, at $311.51/cwt. Select was $2.61 lower at $296.78.

Grain futures softened Thursday with likely farmer selling. Corn futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Soybean futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

September 6th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept. 5, 2024

Live Cattle futures were an average of 23¢ lower, except for an average of 24¢ higher in three contracts, with pressure from early cash weakness in the South.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.23 lower, pressured by lower Live Cattle and higher Corn.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand in Kansas to a standstill 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 $180/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $183 in the Texas Panhandle, $182-$183 in Kansas, $184 in Nebraska and $183-$185 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $288-$292.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 93¢ higher Wednesday afternoon, at $311.60/cwt. Select was 72¢ lower at $299.39.

Grain and Soybean futures continued to rally Wednesday with likely short covering and thoughts forecast yield increases might be less than expected.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 15¢ to 16¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 8¢ to 9¢ higher.

September 4th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Sept 2 and 3-2024

Cattle futures gained Friday as traders closed their book for the week and month. Support included firmer wholesale beef values and positive outside markets.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 96¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 87¢ higher.

Cattle futures also gained week to week. Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.96 higher (47¢ higher at the back to $3.27 higher at the front). Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.64 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to inactive on very light demand with too few transactions to trend through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were steady in the Texas Panhandle at $183/cwt., $1 lower in Kansas at $182-$183, steady in Nebraska at $184 and $1-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $183-$185.

Dressed delivered prices were $3-$5 lower in Nebraska at $288-$292. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were $293-$295.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 611,000 head was 3,000 head more than the previous week but 20,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 20.9 million head was 910,000 head fewer (-4.2%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 17.6 billion pounds was 219.4 million pounds less (-1.2%).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 68¢ higher Friday afternoon, at $309.34/cwt. Select was 37¢ lower at $295.82.

Grain and Soybean futures continued higher Friday.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher. Week to week on Friday, Corn futures closed an average of 8’6¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 4¢ to 7¢ higher through Jly ‘25 on Friday and then mostly 2¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 6¢ to 8¢ higher.

September 2nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 30, 2024

Cattle futures were lower Thursday, pressured by steady to weaker cash fed cattle prices and the recent decline in wholesale beef values.  

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.45 lower, except for $1 higher in expiring spot Aug. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.28 lower.

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

So far this week, FOB live prices are $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $182/cwt. and steady at $184 in Nebraska, where dressed delivered prices are $1-$3 lower at $292.

Last week, FOB live prices were $183/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $184-$188 in the western Corn Belt, where dressed delivered prices were $293-$295.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.37 higher Thursday afternoon, at $308.66/cwt. Select was $1.44 lower at $296.19.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Thursday with traders apparently adding some weather premium.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mainly 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 11¢ to 14¢ higher.

August 29th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 29, 2024

Cattle futures softened Wednesday with pressure including the lack of weekly cash direction and a sharp decline in wholesale beef values.  

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 67¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were narrowly mixed from an average of 44¢ lower to an average of 11¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $183/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle $183-$184 in Kansas, $184 in Nebraska and $184-$188 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $293-$295.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.68 lower Wednesday afternoon, at $307.29/cwt. Select was $2.62 lower at $297.63.

Grain futures were mixed Wednesday.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 11¢ higher on apparent short covering. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 10¢ lower.

August 28th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 28, 2024

Cattle futures mainly extended gains Tuesday with hopes the near bottom has been carved, supported by ongoing relative demand strength.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.35 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 55¢ higher, except for an average of 25¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $183/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $183-$184 in Kansas, $184 in Nebraska and $184-$188 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $293-$295.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.93 lower Tuesday afternoon, at $311.97/cwt. Select was 6¢ higher at $300.25.

Grain futures were higher Tuesday, with apparent recent producer selling and the cheaper U.S. dollar providing support.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 6¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 12¢ higher. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 9¢ higher.

August 27th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 27, 2024

Cattle futures moved higher Monday, although many thought traders might see bearishness in more placements than expected in Friday’s Cattle on Feed report.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 89¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.59 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $183/cwt., $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $183-$184, $6 lower in Nebraska at $184 and $3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $184-$188. Dressed delivered prices were $5-$6 lower in Nebraska at $293-$295 and $3 lower in the western Corn belt at $293-$295.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $3.60 lower at $185.54/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $4.11 lower at $293.93.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.44 lower Monday afternoon, at $315.90/cwt. Select was 27¢ lower at $300.19.

Grain futures were mixed Monday. Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 8¢ higher.

August 26th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 26, 2024

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Friday as traders waited the monthly Cattle on Feed report, which will likely be viewed as neutral to slightly bearish (see below).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 29¢ lower except for 2¢ higher in spot Aug. Feeder Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 49¢ higher in the front three contracts to an average of 62¢ lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.69 lower (22¢ to $2.92 lower). Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.17 lower week to week (20¢ to $3.37 lower).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand through Friday afternoon with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $183/cwt. and generally steady to $3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $187.50. Dressed delivered prices were $3-$6 lower in Nebraska at mostly $295 and $3 lower in the western Corn belt at $293-$295 in a light test.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $185 in Kansas and $190 in Nebraska.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.35 higher Friday afternoon, at $317.34/cwt. Select was $1.57 lower at $300.46.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 608,000 head was 6,000 head more than the previous week, but 18,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 20.3 million head was 893,000 head fewer (-4.2%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 17.1 billion pounds was 226.2 million pounds less (-1.3%).

Grain futures continued to leak lower Friday, while Soybean futures gained on increasing export demand.

Soybean futures were 8¢ to 11¢ higher. Corn futures closed fractionally lower to 3¢ lower through Sep ’25 and then unchanged to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures closed 6¢ to 10¢ lower.

August 25th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 23, 2024

Short covering on Thursday, ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report appeared to be the main driver of firming Cattle Futures. Heading into the close Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.22 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.89 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light demand to a standstill through Thursday afternoon with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $183/cwt. and generally steady to $3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $187.50. Dressed delivered prices are $3-$6 lower in Nebraska at mostly $295 and $3 lower in the western Corn belt at $293-$295 in a light test.

Last week, FOB live prices were $185 in Kansas and $190 in Nebraska.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 78¢ higher Thursday afternoon, at $315.99/cwt. Select was 95¢ higher at $302.03.

Grain and soybean futures were lower Thursday pressured by positive weather and yield estimates.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly were 8¢ lower. Soybean futures were 18¢ to 22¢ lower.

August 22nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 19, 2024

Cattle futures closed lower Friday, pressured by technicals and the week’s lower cash fed cattle prices.

Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.91 lower ($1.22 to $2.62 lower). Week to week, they were an average of $1.21 lower (35¢ to $2.85 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.62 lower on Friday. Week to week, they were an average of $3.53 lower.

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

For the week, FOB live prices are $1 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $185/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and steady to $2 lower in Kansas at $185, $3 lower in Nebraska at $190 and $2-$6 lower in the western Corn Belt at $187-$191. Dressed delivered prices were $4-$7 lower in Nebraska at $298-$301 and $7-$9 lower in the western Corn Belt at $296-$298.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 51¢ lower Friday afternoon, but $4.74 higher week to week. Select was 56¢ higher Friday and $4 higher week to week.

Grain and soybean futures were mostly lower Friday amid the familiar pressure of the optimistic yield projections and ongoing sluggish export demand.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures mostly 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 12¢ lower through Aug ’25 and then 7¢ to 8¢ higher.

August 19th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 15, 2024

Cattle futures gained Wednesday, supported by positive outside markets.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 87¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.67 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $185-$187 in Kansas, mostly $193 in Nebraska and $190-$193 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.05 lower Wednesday afternoon at $314.88/cwt. Select was 11¢ lower at $300.50/cwt.

Toward the close on Wednesday, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 5¢ to 6¢ higher.

August 14th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 14, 2024

Cattle futures gained Tuesday, supported by positive outside markets and firmer wholesale beef values.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.43 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.59 higher.

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 $186/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $185-$187 in Kansas, mostly $193 in Nebraska and $190-$193 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.10 higher Tuesday afternoon at $316.93/cwt. Select was 44¢ higher at $300.61/cwt.

Turning to the grain complex, Corn and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday, pressured by favorable weather and the outlook for high yields, in tandem with anemic export demand.

Toward the close on Tuesday, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were 20¢ to 23¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 1¢ lower.

August 13th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 13, 2024

Cattle futures were unable to extend gains from the previous session, apparently pressured once again, in part by demand concerns.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 80¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.79 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $186/cwt. and mostly $2-$3 lower in Kansas at $185-$187, where live delivered prices were $190-$190.50. FOB live prices are $3 lower in Nebraska at $193 and mainly $2-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $193. Dressed delivered prices were $5 lower at $305.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $3.11 lower at $191.34. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $5.59 lower at $304.01.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.12 higher Monday afternoon at $315.83/cwt. Select was $1.58 higher at $300.17/cwt.

Turning toward the close on Monday, Corn futures were 4¢ to 6¢ higher with support from lower than expected carryover in the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below).

Through Jly ’25 contracts, Kansas City Wheat futures were were 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 12¢ to 16¢ lower.

August 12th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 12, 2024

Cattle futures closed higher with week-end positioning and positive outside markets but were lower week to week, unable to recover from the early-week meltdown.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.92 higher (77¢ to $3.12 higher). However, they were an average of about $2.44 lower week to week.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.77 higher Friday but were an average of $6.22 lower week to week.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and mostly $186-$193 in Kansas, where live delivered prices were $190-$190.50. FOB live prices were $3 lower in Nebraska at $193 and $3-$4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $190-$193. Dressed delivered prices were $5 lower at $305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 59¢ higher Friday afternoon at $312.71/cwt. Select was 56¢ higher at $298.59/cwt.

Grain and soybean futures continued lower Friday ahead of Monday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates with many expecting increased yields.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures closed fractionally higher to 2¢ higher through May ’25 and then mostly fractionally lower. Soybean futures closed mostly 4¢ to 6¢ lower.

August 10th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 9, 2024

Cattle futures lost ground Thursday with pressure from lower cash fed cattle prices and softening wholesale beef values.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.13 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.89 lower.

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

So far this week, FOB live prices are $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and mostly $186-$193 in Kansas. FOB live prices are $3 lower in Nebraska at $193 and $1-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $193. Dressed delivered prices are $5 lower at $305.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.73 lower Thursday afternoon at $312.12/cwt. Select was 80¢ lower at $298.03/cwt.

Grain and soybean futures were lower again Thursday with pressure from bullish production weather.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ lower through Jly ’25. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 11¢ lower.

August 8th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 8, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill in the Texas Panhandle to slow on light demand elsewhere through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $3 lower in Nebraska at $193/cwt. and $1-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $193. There were a few trades in Kansas at $190.50 but too few to trend.

Last week, FOB live prices were $188 in the Texas Panhandle and $188-$195 in Kansas. Dressed delivered prices were $310.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.96 lower Wednesday afternoon at $313.85/cwt. Select was 79¢ lower at $298.83/cwt.

Cattle futures continued to grind for support from the recent selloff Wednesday as early cash fed cattle prices eroded.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 30¢ higher, except for an average of 4¢ lower in three contracts. Feeder Cattle futures closed were average of 88¢ lower.

Grain and soybean futures closed lower Wednesday with pressure from promising yields. The monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates are due out Monday.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 7¢ lower.    

August 7th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 7, 2024

Cattle futures tried for gains early in Tuesday’s session, in the wake of the recent selloff but ended mainly slightly lower.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 32¢ lower except for an average of 33¢ higher in three contracts. Feeder Cattle futures closed were average of 36¢ lower, except for 5¢ higher at the back.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to a standstill elsewhere through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $188/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $187-$195 in Kansas, $196 in Nebraska and $194-$196 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $310/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value $2.13 lower Tuesday afternoon at $315.81/cwt. Select was 44¢ lower at $299.62.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher. Soybean futures were 10¢ to 17¢ lower.   

August 6th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 6, 2024

Cattle futures sank lower again Monday, tracing the selloff in outside markets.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $3.58 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed were average of $6.57 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $188/cwt., $2 lower to $7 higher in Kansas at $188-$195, $2 lower in Nebraska at $196 and $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $194-$196. Dressed delivered prices were $2 lower at $310/cwt.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was 76¢ lower last week at $194.45/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $1.74 lower at $309.60.

Wholesale beef prices did rebound Monday, with Choice boxed beef cutout value $4.17 higher in the afternoon at $317.94/cwt. Select was 85¢ higher at $282.34.

Grain and soybean futures extended gains Monday. Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 11¢ to 15¢ higher.

August 5th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 5, 2024

Cattle futures continued to carve a sharp path lower Friday, as equity markets unwound with growing concerns of recession.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.02 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed average of $4.15 lower.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $188/cwt., $2 lower to $7 higher in Kansas at $188-$195, $2 lower in Nebraska at $196 and $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $194-$196. Dressed delivered prices were $2 lower at $310/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 98¢ higher Friday afternoon at $313.77/cwt. Select was 29¢ lower at $297.17/cwt.

Short covering on profit taking earlier in the week helped Grain and Soybean futures close higher Friday. Corn futures closed 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Soybean futures closed mostly 10¢ to 12¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat futures closed 5¢ to 7¢ higher.  

August 4th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 2, 2024

Cattle futures were sharply lower Thursday, weighed down by wobbly cash trade, technical selling, bearish outside markets and lower wholesale beef values.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.84 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.97 lower.

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

Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190 in the Southern Plains, $198 in Nebraska and $196-$198 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $312/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.98 lower Thursday afternoon at $312.79/cwt. Select was $2.70 lower at $297.46/cwt.

Net U.S. beef export sales of 17,700 metric tons (2024) the week ending July 25 were 32% more than the previous week and 35% more than the prior four-week average, according to USDA’s weekly report. Increases were primarily for South Korea, Japan, Mexico and China.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday.  

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally mixed. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 7¢ higher on likely short covering. Soybean futures were 6¢ to 10¢ lower.

August 1st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—Aug. 1, 2024

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Wednesday, awaiting the week’s cash direction.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 34¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 55¢ lower to an average of 29¢ higher with the most support in nearby months.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $198 in Nebraska and $196-$198 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $312/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 29¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $314.77/cwt. Select was $1.22 lower at $300.16/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures were narrowly mixed Wednesday.  

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 6¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally lower to 2¢ lower. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 4¢ higher.

July 31st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 31, 2024

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed but mainly higher Tuesday.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 41¢ higher, except for 12¢ lower in three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 39¢ higher, except for 31¢ lower in three contracts.

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 $190/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $198 in Nebraska and $196-$198 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher at $312/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 33¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $314.48/cwt. Select was 14¢ lower at $301.38/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday with continued pressure from the favorable weather outlook.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower. Soybean futures were mostly 16¢ to 30¢ lower.

July 30th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 30, 2024

Cattle futures stepped lower Monday with apparent technical selling.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.20 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.75 lower.

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 $1.50-$2 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $190/cwt., $2-$3 higher in Kansas at $190, $2 higher in Nebraska at $198 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $196-$198. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher at $312/cwt.

Last week’s weighted average five area direct FOB live steer price was $1.54 higher at $195.21/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $1.30 higher at $311.34.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.04 higher Monday afternoon at $314.81/cwt. Select was $4.06 higher at $301.52/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures closed mixed Monday.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 7¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 5¢ to 10¢ lower.

July 29th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 29, 2024

Cattle futures closed mixed to higher Friday, buoyed by higher cash fed cattle prices and firmer wholesale beef values.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed from 13¢ lower to 28¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.13 higher with added support from lower Corn futures.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $1.50-$2 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $190/cwt., $2-$3 higher in Kansas at $190 and $2 higher in the North at $198. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher at $312/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.31 higher Friday afternoon at $313.77/cwt. Select was $2.35 higher at $297.46/cwt.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 600,000 head was 16,000 head more than the previous week but 16,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 17.9 million head was 833,000 head fewer (-4.5%) than the same period last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 15.1 billion pounds was 236.9 million pounds less (-1.5%).

Grain futures closed lower Friday with likely profit taking, producer selling and a more favorable weather outlook.

Soybean futures closed 22¢ to 38¢ lower. Corn futures closed 9¢ to 11¢ lower through Jly ’25 and then mostly 6¢ to 8¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures closed 10¢ to 16¢ lower.

July 28th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 26, 2024

Cattle futures closed higher Thursday, supported by the prospects of steady to higher cash trade, as well as more favorable domestic economic growth than expected.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.01 higher across a wide range. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 52¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to inactive on very light demand through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were som early live FOB sales in Kansas at $190/cwt.

Last week, live FOB prices were $188-$188.50 in the Texas Panhandle, 187-188 in Kansas and $196 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $310/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 22¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $312.46/cwt. Select was $1.15 higher at $295.11/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Thursday.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts Corn futures were mostly 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 13¢ to 15¢ higher as traders applied more weather premium. However, Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower on bullish harvest reports and anemic export sales.

July 25th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 25, 2024

Cattle futures were mostly lower Wednesday, pressured by bearish outside markets and the lack of weekly cash direction.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 71¢ lower, except for unchanged to an average of 45¢ higher in the front three contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.79 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, live FOB prices were $188-$188.50/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, 187-188 in Kansas and $196 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $310/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 53¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $312.68/cwt. Select was $2.70 lower at $293.96/cwt.

Grain futures firmed Wednesday, while Soybean futures declined after recent gains.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were fractionally high to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 9¢ to 11¢ lower.  

July 24th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 24, 2024

Cattle futures extended gains Tuesday. Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.21 higher.  Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.72 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to a standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, live FOB prices were steady to 50¢ higher in the Texas Panhandle at $188-$188.50/cwt. steady to $1 lower in Kansas at $187-$188 and $2 lower in the North at $196. Dressed delivered trades were $2 lower at $310/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 23¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $313.21/cwt. Select was $1.67 lower at $296.66/cwt.

Traders continued adding weather premium to Soybean futures Tuesday. Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were mostly 4¢ to 7¢ higher. Corn futures were fractionally higher to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ lower.     

July 23rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 23, 2024

Cattle futures strengthened Monday, helped along by positive outside markets and the monthly Cattle on Feed report (see below), which indicated fewer placements than expected last month.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.05 higher.  Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 54¢ higher, well off session highs, capped by advancing Corn futures. 

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, live FOB prices were steady to 50¢ higher in the Texas Panhandle at $188-$188.50/cwt. steady to $1 lower in Kansas at $187-$188 and $2 lower in the North at $196. Dressed delivered trades were $2 lower at $310/cwt.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was 57¢ lower at $193.67. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $2.56 lower at $310.04.

Choice boxed beef cutout value (p.m.): 39¢ lower at $313.44/cwt. Select was 47¢ lower at $298.33/cwt.

Soybeans led the grain complex higher Monday with short covering and apparent weather premium based on the global outlook.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Soybean futures were 21¢ to 33¢ higher. Corn futures were 10¢ to 11¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ higher.  

July 22nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 22, 2024

Cattle futures continued mostly lower Friday ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report (see below), which could provide some support Monday.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 47¢ lower, except for an average of 65¢ higher in the front two contracts. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of 85¢ lower (40¢ to $1.30 lower), except for 72¢ higher in spot Aug.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 94¢ lower on Friday. They were an average of $1.73 lower week to week (92¢ lower at the back to $3.05 lower at the front).

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

For the week, live FOB prices were unevenly steady in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt. and $2 lower in the North at $196. Dressed delivered trades were $2 lower at $310/cwt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.32 lower Friday at $313.83/cwt. Select was 66¢ lower at $298.80.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $8.23 lower week to week on Friday at $313.83/cwt. Select was $3.51 lower at $298.80.  Over the last two weeks, Choice is down $16.60 and Select is down $6.26.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 584,000 was 17,000 fewer than the previous week and 42,000 head fewer (-6.7%) than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 17.3 million head was 821,000 head fewer (-4.5%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 14.6 billion pounds was 242.5 million pounds less (-1.6%).

Turning to the grain complex, Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Friday in search of a bottom and also likely impacted by the widespread internet outage.

Corn futures closed fractionally mixed to unchanged. Kansas City Wheat futures 7¢ higher through May ’25 and then mostly 3¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 7¢ to 10¢ lower.

July 21st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 19, 2024

Cattle futures sagged lower Thursday with the week’s wobbly cash fed cattle trade, sharply lower outside markets and likely positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.06 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.47 lower. 

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

So far this week, live FOB prices are unevenly steady in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt. and dressed delivered trades are $2 lower in Nebraska at $310/cwt.

Last week, live FOB prices were mostly $198 in the North with dressed delivered prices at $312 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.01 lower Thursday afternoon at $316.15/cwt. Select was $1.22 higher at $299.46/cwt.

July 18th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 18, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light to moderate demand in the Southern Plains through Wednesday afternoon with early FOB live trades at $188/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were mostly $198 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $312.

Live Cattle futures strengthened Wednesday as cash fed cattle traded steady in the South. Feeder Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, perhaps with some positioning and wariness ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report. Estimates ahead of the report peg June placements at 3% less year over year, June marketings about 8% less and the July 1 on-feed inventory about 1% more.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.10 lower Wednesday afternoon at $318.16/cwt. Select was $3.15 lower at $298.44/cwt.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 78¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were mixed, from an average of 24¢ lower in the front three contracts to an average of 39¢ higher.  

Grain and Soybean futures continued to firm Wednesday with more short covering and some support from the lower U.S. dollar.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ to 12¢ higher. Soybean futures were 4¢ lower to 8¢ higher.

July 17th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 17, 2024

Cattle futures mostly strengthened Tuesday, supported by bullish outside markets.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 57¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 72¢ higher, except for unchanged in spot Aug and an average of 9¢ lower in the back two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $188/cwt. in the Southern Plains $198 in Nebraska and mostly $198 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $312 in Nebraska and mostly $312 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.23 lower Tuesday afternoon at $319.26/cwt. Select was $3.23 lower at $301.59/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures firmed Tuesday with likely short covering. Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 7¢ lower. Soybean futures mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher.

July 16th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 16, 2024

Feeder Cattle futures moved higher Monday, helped along by wilting Corn futures, while Live Cattle futures sought near-term direction. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 62¢ higher.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from 25¢ lower to 37¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $188/cwt. in the Southern Plains $198 in Nebraska and mostly $198 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $312 in Nebraska and mostly $312 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 57¢ lower Monday afternoon at $321.49/cwt. Select was $2.51 higher at $304.82/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures took a step lower Monday, pressured by the continued positive weather outlook. Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 11¢ to 12¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 12¢ to 16¢ lower. Soybean futures were 26¢ to 29¢ lower. 

July 15th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 15, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand to limited with very light demand through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt., steady in Nebraska at $198 and steady to $3 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $197-$198.50. Dressed delivered prices were $2 lower in Nebraska at $312. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were $312-$315.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 75¢ higher (12¢ to $1.15 higher). However, they were an average of $2.63 lower week to week on Friday. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.37 higher on Friday but were an average of $4.66 lower week to week.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 41¢ higher Friday afternoon at $322.06/cwt. Select was $1.07 lower at $302.31/cwt. Week to week on Friday, Choice was down $8.37 and Select was $2.75 lower.

Total estimated cattle slaughter last week of 601,000 head was 79,000 head more than the previous holiday-shortened week, but 32,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 16.7 million head was 778,000 head fewer (-4.5%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 14.1 billion pounds was 226.2 million pounds less (1.6%).   

Corn futures firmed Friday, buoyed by a bullish WASDE (see below). They closed mostly 1¢ to 4¢ higher, but they were an average of 9’7¢ lower through the front six contracts week to week on Friday.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 10¢ to 16¢ lower through Dec ’25 and then unchanged to 8¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed fractionally lower to 12¢ lower through May ’25 and then mostly 4¢ to 6¢ higher.

July 14th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 12, 2024

Cattle futures firmed Thursday.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 28¢ higher, except for 5¢ lower in the back contract. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.04 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow with light to moderate demand in the North to inactive with very light demand in the South through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt., steady in Nebraska at $198 and steady to $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at mostly $198. Dressed delivered prices are $2 lower in Nebraska at $312. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn belt the previous week were $312-$315.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.40 lower Thursday afternoon at $321.65/cwt. Select was 56¢ lower at $303.38/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures gained Thursday on oversold conditions. Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ to 5¢ higher.  Kansas City Wheat futures were 15¢ to 22¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

July 11th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 11, 2024

Cattle futures continued to unwind Thursday, pressured by declining wholesale beef value and lower cash trade in the South.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 61¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.94 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand in the Southern Plains through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $2 lower at$188/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from limited on light demand to inactive on light demand with too few transactions to trend.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $198 in Nebraska and $198-$200 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $314 in Nebraska and $312-$315 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.61 lower Wednesday afternoon at $324.05/cwt. Select was 37¢ lower at $303.94/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures continued lower Wednesday ahead of Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 3¢ lower to 5¢ higher.  Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 12¢ to 13¢ lower. Soybean futures were 13¢ to 25¢ lower.

July 10th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 10, 2024

Cattle futures tried to gain early again in Tuesday’s session but broke back, apparently spurred in part by a knee-jerk reaction to mid-day Choice boxed beef prices which were $4.87/lower; Select was $1.69 lower.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.52 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.92 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $190-$193 in Kansas.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $198 in Nebraska and $198-$200 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $314 in Nebraska and $312-$315 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.81 lower Tuesday afternoon at $325.66/cwt. Select was 41¢ lower at $304.31

Front-month grain futures firmed Tuesday while Soybean futures continued to erode. Positive weather continues to apply pressure. As the week continues, traders will also be positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly fractionally higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly fractionally higher to 8¢ higher in spot Jly. Soybean futures were 14¢ to 21¢ lower.

July 9th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 9, 2024

Cattle futures tried to gain early in Monday’s session but ran out of steam to close lower in what turned out to be a risk-off day in ag commodities, perhaps with some positioning at the beginning of the Goldman Roll.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.34 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.01 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were steady in the Texas Panhandle at $190/cwt. and steady to $3 higher in Kansas at $190-$193.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $198 in Nebraska and $198-$200 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $314 in Nebraska and $312-$315 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 4¢ higher Monday afternoon at $330.47/cwt. Select was 34¢ lower at $304.72/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures lost ground Monday, with added pressure from more moisture in the forecast. Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 12¢ to 17¢ lower.  Kansas City Wheat futures were 14¢ to 21¢ lower.  Soybean futures were 15¢ to 30¢ lower.

July 8th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 8, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand in the Southern Plains through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were steady at $190/cwt. in a light test.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from limited on light demand to inactive on very light demand with too few transactions to trend.

The previous week, FOB live prices were mostly $198 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $312 but stretched as high as $317.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 59¢ higher Friday afternoon at $330.43/cwt. Select was 68¢ higher at $305.06/cwt.

Cattle futures mainly drifted lower in light post-holiday trade on Friday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 20¢ lower, except for an average of 41¢ higher in the front two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.49 lower.

Grain and Soybean futures rallied on Friday, with Wheat receiving support from export sales and Corn buoyed by a spottier rain forecast.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 4¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat closed 11¢ to 15¢ higher. Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 8¢ higher.

July 6th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 5 and 5, 2024

Cattle futures extended gains Wednesday, supported by strong wholesale beef values and prospects of steady to higher cash fed cattle prices for the holiday-shortened week. Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 71¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.88 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $190/cwt. in the Southern Plains at mostly $198 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $312 but stretched as high as $317.

For added perspective, last month’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was $8.82 higher year over year at $193.33/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $13.04 higher at $307.26.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 55¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $329.84/cwt. Select was $2.10 lower at $304.38/cwt.

Corn and Kansas City Wheat futures softened Wednesday with pressure from favorable weather. Heading into the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 2¢ lower.  Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 10¢ lower.  Soybean futures were 7¢ to 11¢ higher.

Futures and equity markets will be closed Thursday in observance of Independence Day.

July 3rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 3, 2024

Cattle futures rallied Tuesday, supported by strong wholesale beef values, which were propped up further by lost production at Cargill’s plant in Dodge City for a few days this week, due to a partial roof collapse, owing to heavy rain last weekend. Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.54 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.06 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 $190/cwt. in the Southern Plains and mostly $198 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $312, but stretched as high as $317.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.21 higher Tuesday afternoon at $330.39/cwt. Select was 7¢ higher at $306.48/cwt.

Front-month Corn and Soybean futures gained Tuesday, likely with additional short covering. Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly fractionally higher. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally higher to 5¢ higher.  Kansas City Wheat futures were 3¢ to 10¢ lower with likely harvest pressure. 

July 2nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast‚July 2, 2024

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.

Last week, FOB live prices were steady to $1 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $190/cwt., unevenly steady in Kansas at $190, steady to $1 higher in Nebraska at $198 (some up to $200) and mainly steady to $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at mostly $198.

Dressed delivered prices were steady to $2 higher in Nebraska at $312 and $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $312. Prices ran as high as $317 in both regions.

Last week’s five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price was 97¢ higher at $195.81. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $2.92 higher at $313.47.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.86 higher Monday afternoon at $329.18/cwt. Select was $1.91 higher at $306.41.

Cattle futures softened again Monday with sluggish interest. Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 87¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.05 lower.

As for the grain complex, short covering seemed to be the order of the day. Toward the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mainly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ to 13¢ higher. Soybean futures were 7¢ to 12¢ higher.  

July 1st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—July 1, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in Kansas through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were unevenly steady at $190/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was slow on light to moderate demand with some early FOB live trades in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt at $198, but too few to trend.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $189-$190/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and mainly $197-$198 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices the previous week were $310-$312 in Nebraska and $310 in the western Corn Belt with prices stretching as high as $314.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 609,000 head was 11,000 head fewer than the previous week and 42,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 15.6 million head was 729,000 head fewer (-4.5%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 13.1 billion pounds was 209.7 million pounds less (-1.6%) year over year.

Cattle futures softened Friday with likely profit taking, month-end positioning and traders apparently leery to step out ahead of the week’s cash fed cattle trade.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 88¢ lower. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $3.14 higher in the front three contracts ($1.25 to $5.90 higher) as the expiring spot Jun closed some of the broad gap with cash. From there Live Cattle were an average of 75¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.72 lower on Fiday. Week to week they were an average of 60¢ lower, except for 92¢ higher in spot Aug.

Corn futures dove lower Friday with the bearish Acreage report (see below), applying pressure to Wheat and Soybeans, along with likely month-end position squaring.

Corn futures closed 10¢ to 16¢ lower through Jly ’25 and then mostly 1¢ to 4¢ lower. Week to week they were an average of 31’0¢ lower through the front six contracts, an average of 47’3¢ lower over the past two weeks.

KC HRW Wheat closed mostly 5¢ to 10¢ lower through May ’25 and then fractionally lower to 3¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed fractionally lower to 3¢ lower through near Nov  and then mostly 1¢ to 4¢ higher.

June 30th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 28, 2024

Cattle futures softened Thursday, with likely profit taking and no cash direction.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 55¢ lower, except for $1.47 higher and unchanged in the front two contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.01 lower, except for 15¢ higher in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill through Thursday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $189-$190/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $188-$191 in Kansas, and mainly $197-$198 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt.

Dressed delivered prices were $310-$312 in Nebraska and $310 in the western Corn Belt with prices stretching as high as $314.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 48¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $323.33/cwt. Select was 16¢ lower at $302.70/cwt.

Corn and Soybean futures were lower again Thursday with likely positioning ahead of Friday’s Acreage and Grain Stocks reports. Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 10¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 11¢ to 13¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 2¢ to 10¢ lower.

June 27th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 27, 2024

Cattle futures powered ahead Wednesday, helped along by record and near-record high cash fed cattle prices at a strong premium to the Board. Floundering Corn futures added support.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.60 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.24 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $189-$190/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle $188-$191 in Kansas, and mainly $197-$198 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt.

Dressed delivered prices were $310-$312 in Nebraska and $310 in the western Corn Belt with prices stretching as high as $314.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 54¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $322.85/cwt. Select was $2.40 lower at $302.86/cwt.

Corn and Soybean futures were lower Wednesday with likely positioning ahead of Friday’s Acreage and Grain Stocks reports.

Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 5¢ to 7¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 5¢ lower.

June 26th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 26, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $189-$190/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle $188-$191 in Kansas, and mainly $197-$198 in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt.

Dressed delivered prices were $310-$312 in Nebraska and $310 in the western Corn Belt with prices stretching as high as $314.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 75¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $323.39/cwt. Select was 19¢ higher at $305.26/cwt.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed to lower on Tuesday, as traders bided their time for further cash direction. Before settlement, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 40¢ lower except for 2¢ higher in spot Aug. Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 28¢ lower to an average of 32¢ higher.

Grain and Soybean futures were lower Tuesday with apparent fund selling and potential positioning ahead of Friday’s Acreage and Grain Stocks reports. Heading into the close, Corn futures were 9¢ to 10¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 10¢ lower. Soybean futures were 13¢ to 19¢ lower.

June 25th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 25, 2024

Cattle futures closed mixed on Monday, as traders sorted through Friday’s bearish Cattle on Feed report, in tandem with the surge in negotiated cash fed cattle prices.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.48 higher in the front two contracts and then narrowly mixed, from an average of 19¢ lower to an average of 13¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 22¢ higher, except for unchanged to an average of 15¢ lower in three contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $3-$4 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $189-$190/cwt. and $2-$5 higher in Kansas at $188-$191 with some as high as $198. FOB live prices were steady to $2 higher in Nebraska at $197-$198 and $3-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $197-$198.

Dressed delivered prices were $5-$6 higher in Nebraska at $310-$312 and $4-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $310, but with prices stretching as high as $314.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $2.29 higher at $194.84/cwt., which was $12.27 higher year over year. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $5.08 higher week to week at $310.55; it was $20.74 higher year over year.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 25¢ higher Monday afternoon at $322.64/cwt. Select was $1.96 higher at $305.07/cwt.

Turning to row crops, grain futures edged lower Monday, while Soybean futures gained.

Heading into the close, through Jly contracts, Corn futures were mostly 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 2¢ lower to fractionally higher. Soybean futures closed were 8¢ to 13¢ higher.

June 24th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 24, 2024

Cattle futures closed lower Friday ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report, which proved to be bearish (see below).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 64¢ lower, except for an average of 56¢ higher in the front two contracts. They were an average of $1.27 lower week to week on Friday, except for $1.47 higher in spot Jun.

Feeder Cattle futures an average of $1.21 lower. They were an average of $2.81 lower week to week.

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

Although too few transactions to establish a trend, there were some dressed delivered trades in Nebraska at $310-$312/cwt. and some FOB live trades in the western Corn Belt at $197.

Based on final established trade the previous week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains $195-$198 in Nebraska and $193-$195 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $305-$306; prices as high as $310.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 48¢ lower Friday afternoon at $322.39/cwt. Select was $1.29 lower at $303.11/cwt.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 620,000 head was 5,000 head more than the previous week but 29,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 15 million head was 687,000 head fewer (-4.4%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 12.6 billion pounds was 197.3 million pounds less (-1.5%).

Turning to row crops, Corn futures closed 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Week to week on Friday, there were an average of 16’3¢ lower through the front six contracts. KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 11¢ to 12¢ lower. Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 7¢ higher through May ’25 and then mostly 2¢ to 3¢ lower.

June 23rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 21, 2024

Cattle futures drifted lower Thursday, lacking the week’s cash fed cattle direction and perhaps with some wariness about Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report. Depending on the estimates you consider, analysts peg May placements about 2% less year over year, May marketings about even and the June 1 cattle on feed inventory about 1% less.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 38¢ lower, except for an average of 49¢ higher in the front two contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 37¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Based on final established trade last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains $195-$198 in Nebraska and $193-$195 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $305-$306; prices as high as $310.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.17 higher Thursday afternoon at $322.87/cwt. Select was $1.14 higher at $304.40/cwt.

Turning to grain and Soybean futures, heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 8¢ to 10¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 10¢ lower. Soybean futures closed were 10¢ to 18¢ lower.

June 20th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 19, 2024

Cattle futures softened Tuesday, awaiting the week’s cash direction and perhaps with some profit taking. Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 49¢ lower. Feeder Cattle were an average of $1.52 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Based on final established trade last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains $195-$198 in Nebraska and $193-$195 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $305-$306; prices as high as $310.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 5¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $320.52/cwt. Select was 61¢ lower at $304.21/cwt.

Grain and soybean futures were mixed Tuesday. Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 4¢ higher with likely technical correction. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 5¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures closed were 10¢ to 16¢ higher in the front two contracts and then marginally higher through new-crop.

 

 

June 18th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 18, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Based on final established trade last week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt., $5-$8 higher in Nebraska at $195-$198 and mainly $2-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at mostly $193-$195. Dressed delivered prices were $4-$5 higher in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt at $305-$306; prices as high as $310.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $3.63 higher at $192.55. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $4.76 higher at $305.47.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 58¢ higher Monday afternoon at $320.47/cwt. Select was $1.01 higher at $304.82/cwt.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed Monday with likely profit taking following the previous session’s surge.

Turning to row crops, Grain and soybean futures dropped Monday with an improved weather outlook. Heading into the close and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were mostly 6¢ to 7¢ lower, while Kansas City Wheat futures and Soybean futures were mostly 15¢ to 21¢ lower. 

June 17th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 17, 2024

Cattle futures charged higher Friday, supported by the hefty rise in cash fed cattle prices. Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.41 higher ($1.92 to $3.67 higher). Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.13 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on moderate demand to a standstill through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt., $5-$6 higher in Nebraska at $195-$196 and $2-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $193-$195. Some trades were as high at $197 in the latter two regions. Dressed delivered prices were $4-$5 higher in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt at $305-$306. Dressed delivered prices were as high as $308 in Nebraska and $309 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.58 higher Friday afternoon at $319.89/cwt. Select was $4.56 higher at $303.81/cwt.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 615,000 head was 1,000 head more than the previous week but 21,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date total estimated cattle slaughter of 14.4 million head was 654,000 head fewer (-4.4%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 12.1 billion pounds was 191 million pounds less (-1.6%).

Turning to row crops, Grain and Soybean future softened Friday on likely profit taking. Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 12¢ lower. Soybean futures closed mostly 5¢ to 11¢ lower.

June 15th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 14, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade and demand were moderate in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Prices were $1 higher at $186/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was limited on good demand. Although too few transactions to trend, there were some early live FOB trades in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt at $192-$195. Last week, prices were $190 in Nebraska and $190-$193 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices were $301 last week.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 71¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $318.31/cwt. Select was 32¢ higher at $299.25/cwt.

Cattle futures mostly edged higher with firmer wholesale beef prices and the outlook for higher cash prices this week. Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 44¢ higher. Feeder Cattle were an average of 22¢ lower, except for an average of 30¢ higher in the back two contracts.

Grain and soybean futures firmed Thursday.

Heading toward the close, and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 7¢ higher, supported by a hot forecast and stronger weekly export sales. Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 6¢ lower. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 13¢ higher.

June 13th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 13, 2024

Cattle futures drifted lower, pressured in part by the lack of firm cash direction for the week.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 52¢ lower. Feeder Cattle were an average of 42¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $185/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190 in Nebraska and $190-$193 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $301 in Nebraska and $300-$301 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 61¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $317.60/cwt. Select was $1.69 lower at $298.93/cwt.

Grain and soybean futures were mixed again Wednesday, with little apparent direction taken from the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Heading into the close, and through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 12¢ to 21¢ lower with likely harvest pressure. Soybean futures mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower.

June 12th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 12, 2024

Cattle futures softened Tuesday as traders awaited weekly cash direction.

Before settlement, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 46¢ lower. Feeder Cattle were an average of 99¢ lower.

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 $185/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190 in Nebraska and $190-$193 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $301 in Nebraska and $300-$301 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 79¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $318.21/cwt. Select was 42¢ lower at $300.62/cwt.

Grain and soybean futures were mixed Tuesday, with likely positioning ahead of Wednesday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates. Heading toward the close, through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were mostly 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 9¢ higher. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 11¢ lower. 

June 11th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 11, 2024

Cattle futures extended support from the previous session, buoyed by recently stronger wholesale beef prices and prospects of higher cash prices this week. Before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.06 higher. Feeder Cattle were an average of $3.16 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 $1 lower in the Southern Plains at $185/cwt., steady in Nebraska at $190 and $1-$2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $190-$193. Dressed delivered prices were steady in Nebraska at $301 and steady to $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at $300-$301.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 67¢ higher Monday afternoon at $317.42/cwt. Select was 10¢ lower at $301.04/cwt.

Grain and soybean futures were mixed Monday, perhaps with some positioning ahead of this week’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Heading into the close, Corn futures were fractionally higher to 2¢ higher through Jly ’25 and Soybean futures fractionally higher to 8¢ higher through near Nov. However, nearby Kansas City Wheat futures were 19¢ to 24¢ lower with likely harvest pressure.

June 10th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 10, 2024

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $1 lower in the Southern Plains at $185/cwt. and unevenly steady in the western Corn Belt at $190. Prices in Nebraska the previous week were $190.

Dressed delivered prices the previous week were $301 in Nebraska and $300-$301 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 54¢ higher Friday afternoon at $316.75/cwt. Select was 31¢ higher at $301.14/cwt. Week to week on Friday, Choice was up $3.55 but Select was 57¢ lower.

Total cattle slaughter last week of 614,000 head was 74,000 head more than the previous holiday-shortened week. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 13.7 million head was 631,000 head fewer (-4.4%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 11.6 billion pounds was 198.4 million pounds less (-1.7%).

Cattle futures found some footing Friday, helped along by firm wholesale beef prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 20¢ higher, except for an average of 20¢ lower in two contracts. They were an average of $1.33 lower week to week on Friday, except for 62¢ higher in spot June.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.37 higher. However, they were an average of $1.75 lower week to week on Friday.

Grain and Soybean futures weakened Friday on likely fund selling.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat futures closed 12¢ to 14¢ lower. Soybean futures 12¢ to 20¢ lower through near Sep and then 2¢ to 9¢ lower.

June 9th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 7, 2024

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 $1 lower at $185/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from slow on light demand to a standstill.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186 in the Texas Panhandle, $190 in Nebraska and $188-$192 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $301 in Nebraska and $300-$301 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.42 higher Thursday afternoon at $316.21/cwt. Select was 7¢ lower at $300.83/cwt.

Cattle futures were lower again Thursday heading into the close, pressured by the weaker outlook for cash prices this week and surge in Corn futures. Live Cattle futures were 90¢ lower. Feeder Cattle were an average of $2.00 lower, except for 17¢ higher in spot Jun.

Corn and Soybean futures bounced higher Thursday on likely short covering.

Heading into the close, through Jly ‘25, Corn futures were 9¢ to 14¢ higher. Soybean futures were mostly 13¢ to 22¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly fractionally higher.

June 6th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 6, 2024

Cattle futures were lower heading into the close Wednesday with pressure including lower wholesale beef values and a lack of cash direction for the week. Live Cattle futures were an average of 43¢ lower. Feeder Cattle were an average of $1.04 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190 in Nebraska and $188-$192 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $301 in Nebraska and $300-$301 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.09 lower Wednesday afternoon at $314.79/cwt. Select was $3.57 lower at $300.90/cwt.

Grain futures continued to unwind Wednesday. Heading into the close, through Jly ’25 contracts, Corn futures were 2¢ to 3¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ to 12¢ lower. Soybean futures were 3¢ to 6¢ lower.

June 5th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 5, 2024

Cattle futures tried for gains early in Tuesday’s trading session but were mainly marginally lower toward the close.

Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 15¢ lower in three contracts to an average of 16¢ higher. Feeder Cattle were an average of 28¢ lower, except for 12¢ higher in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190 in Nebraska and $188-$192 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $301 in Nebraska and $300-$301 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.28 higher Tuesday afternoon at $316.88/cwt. Select was 77¢ higher at $304.47/cwt.

Grain futures continued lower again Tuesday on crop progress. Toward the close, Corn futures were 1¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures 11¢ to 12¢ lower. Soybean futures 5¢ to 7¢ lower.

June 4th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 4, 2024

Cattle futures firmed Monday with stronger wholesale beef prices after early pressure from last week’s wobbly cash fed cattle prices.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 19¢ higher, except for 62¢ lower in away Aug. Feeder Cattle futures were narrowly mixed from an average of 13¢ lower in the front four contracts to an average of 39¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $1 lower in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt., $2 lower in Nebraska at $190 and steady to $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $188-$192. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $3 lower at $301 and $2-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $300-$301.

The five-area weighted average direct FOB live steer price last week was $1.18 lower at $188.91. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $2.68 lower at $300.81.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.40 higher Monday afternoon at $315.60/cwt. Select was $1.99 higher at $303.70/cwt.

Grain futures continued lower Monday as crop progress brightens.

Heading into the close, through Jly ‘25, Corn futures were mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures 6¢ to 9¢ lower. Soybean futures were 15¢ to 20¢ lower.

June 3rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—June 3, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand up north to a standstill through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $1 lower in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt., $2 lower in Nebraska at $190 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $190-$192. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $3 lower at $301. Prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were $302-$304.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 84¢ lower Friday afternoon at $313.20/cwt. Select was 81¢ lower at $301.71/cwt. Choice was $2.75 higher week to week on Friday. Select was 1¢ lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter for the holiday-shortened week of 540,000 head was 67,000 head fewer than the previous week and 28,000 head fewer than the same week a year earlier. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 13.1 million head was 624,000 fewer (-4.5%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 11.1 billion pounds was 218.4 million pounds less (-1.9%).

Cattle futures continued lower Friday with pressure including steady to lower cash fed cattle prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.16 lower. They were an average of $2.70 lower week to week on Friday.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.04 lower, from 87¢ lower at the back to $2.67 lower at the front. Week to week, they were an average of $2.57 lower, from $1.15 lower toward the back to $3.82 lower at the front.

Grain futures continued to erode on Friday.

Corn futures closed 3¢ to 4¢ lower. Through the front six contracts, they were an average of 20¢ lower week to week.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally mixed.

Soybean futures closed 3¢ to 5¢ lower.

June 2nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 31, 2024

Cattle futures continued lower Thursday with follow-through pressure including negative outside markets, oversold conditions and perhaps some month-end profit taking.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 75¢ lower. Feeder Cattle were an average of 78¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from light on light demand to mostly inactive on light demand through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there some early FOB live trades in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $187 in the Southern Plains, $192 in Nebraska and $190-$192 in the western Corn Belt.

Dressed delivered prices were $304 in Nebraska and $302-$304 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 42¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $314.04/cwt. Select was 4¢ lower at $302.52/cwt.

Grain futures closed lower again Thursday as traders pondered the improved planting and weather outlook.

Heading into the close Tuesday, through Jly ‘25, Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 10¢ lower.  Corn futures were 6¢ to 8¢ lower. Soybean futures mostly 5¢ to 7¢ lower.

May 30th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 30, 2024

Cattle futures closed lower Wednesday with pressure including negative outside markets, oversold conditions and perhaps some month-end profit taking.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.65 lower. Feeder Cattle were an average of $3.15 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there some early FOB live trades in Nebraska at $190/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $187 in the Southern Plains, $192 in Nebraska and $190-$192 in the western Corn Belt.

Dressed delivered prices were $304 in Nebraska and $302-$304 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.50 higher Wednesday afternoon at $313.62/cwt. Select was 95¢ lower at $302.48/cwt.

Grain futures closed lower Wednesday as it appeared traders took back some weather premium.

Heading into the close Tuesday, through Jly ‘25, Kansas City Wheat futures were 6¢ to 10¢ lower.  Corn futures were 5¢ to 7¢ lower. Soybean futures were 5¢ to 18¢ lower.

May 29th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 29, 2024

Cattle futures started and ended the session higher Tuesday, supported by last week’s stronger cash prices and the neutral monthly Cattle on Feed report, Live Cattle futures were an average of 83¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.52 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on very light demand to a standstill 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 Southern Plains at $187/cwt., $2 higher in Nebraska at $192 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $190-$192.

Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $4-$6 higher at $304 and $2-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $302-$304 in a light test.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $1.55 higher at $190.09. The average dressed delivered steer price was $4.10 higher at $303.49.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.67 higher Tuesday afternoon at $312.12/cwt. Select was $1.71 higher at $303.43/cwt.

Heading into the close Tuesday, through Jly ‘25, Kansas City Wheat futures were 5¢ to 12¢ higher. Corn futures were mostly 2¢ lower and Soybean futures were 2¢ to 8¢ higher.

May 28th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 27 and 28, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to mostly inactive on light demand through Friday afternoon, with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

For the week, FOB live prices were $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $187/cwt., mainly $2 higher in Nebraska at $192 (some up to $193.50) and mostly $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $192 (some up to $193).

Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $4-$6 higher at mostly $304 (some up to $305). Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were mainly $300 (some up to $306).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 61¢ higher Friday afternoon at $310.45/cwt. Select was $1.64 higher at $301.72/cwt.

Estimated cattle slaughter last week of 607,000 head was 9,000 more than the previous week but 18,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimate total cattle slaughter of 12.6 million head was 594,00 head fewer than (-4.5%) than the same period a year earlier. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 10.6 billion pounds was 213.9 million pounds less (-2.0%).

Cattle futures edged mostly lower Friday ahead of the long holiday weekend and the monthly Cattle on Feed report (see below).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 13¢ lower, except for an average of 11¢ higher in the front two contracts. Week to week on Friday, they were an average of $1.76 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 72¢ lower, except for 40¢ higher in newly minted away-May. They were an average of $1.46 higher week to week on Friday.

Turning to row crops, Grain futures closed higher Friday with traders maintaining a weather premium.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 8¢ to 10¢ higher through May ’25 and then mostly 4¢ to 6¢ higher. Corn futures closed 1¢ to 2¢ higher. Soybean futures closed 2¢ to 8¢ higher through Jly ’25 and then mostly 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher.

May 26th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 24, 2024

Cattle futures started stronger Thursday, buoyed by higher cash fed cattle prices in the South, but faded to a lower close on likely positioning ahead of Friday’s Cattle on Feed report and the holiday weekend.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 56¢ lower. Feeder Cattle were an average of $1.07 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was active on good demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $1 higher at $187/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was slow on light to moderate demand. Although too few to trend so far this week, there are some early FOB live sales in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt at $192.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $190 in Nebraska and $190 in the western Corn Belt with a few up to $191. Dressed delivered prices were $298 in Nebraska and mostly $300 in the western Corn Belt with a few up to $306.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.33 lower Thursday afternoon at $309.84/cwt. Select was 47¢ higher at $300.08/cwt.

U.S. beef export sales continue to show promise. The week ending May 16, net U.S. beef export sales for 2024 of 21,500 metric tons were 42% more than the previous week and 32% more than the prior four-week average, according to USDA’s Export Sales report. Increases were primarily for China, South Korea, Mexico, Japan and Taiwan.

As for row crops, grain futures added back some weather premium. Heading into the close, Kansas City Wheat futures were 10¢ to 15¢ higher through May ’25 and Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher through Jly ‘25. However, Soybean futures were 3¢ to 7¢ lower through Jly ’25.

May 23rd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 23, 2024

Cattle futures continued higher Wednesday, supported by recently stronger cash fed cattle and wholesale beef prices. The next two trading sessions appear to be wild cards as traders position ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report and the three-day weekend.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.07 higher. Feeder Cattle were an average of $2.29 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill in Nebraska to slow on light demand in Kansas through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live trades in the Kansas at $187/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190 in Nebraska and $190 in the western Corn Belt with a few up to $191. Dressed delivered prices were $298 in Nebraska and mostly $300 in the western Corn Belt with a few up to $306.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 85¢ lower Wednesday after noon at $312.17/cwt. Select was $1.26 lower at $299.61/cwt.

Turning to row crops, Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher through May ‘25. Kansas City Wheat futures 1¢ to 5¢ lower through May ’25. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 11¢ higher through May ’25.

May 22nd, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 22, 2024

Cattle futures closed higher Tuesday, supported by steady to stronger wholesale beef values.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.01 higher. Feeder Cattle were an average of $1.62 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill in the Southern Plains to slow on light demand in the western Corn Belt through Tuesday 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 $192/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190 in Nebraska and $190 in the western Corn Belt with a few up to $191. Dressed delivered prices were $298 in Nebraska and mostly $300 in the western Corn Belt with a few up to $306.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 32¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $313.02/cwt. Select was $1.52 higher at $300.87/cwt.

Heading into the close, Corn futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower through Jly ’25 on planting pressure. Soybean futures were 10¢ to 12¢ lower through Jly ’25.

May 21st, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 21, 2024

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Monday, as traders appeared to take stock after last week’s strong gains.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 17¢ higher, except for 30¢ lower in near Aug.

Feeder Cattle were an average of 57¢ lower, except for 10¢ higher in the back contract. Pressure included stronger Corn futures prices.

Negotiated cash fed trade was at a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt., $3-$4 higher in Nebraska at $190 and $3-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $190 with a few up to $191. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $298-$300 and mostly $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $300 with some up to $306.

The weighted weekly average five-area direct FOB live steer price was $2.60 higher at $188.54. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $4.11 higher at $299.39.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 75¢ lower Monday afternoon at $312.70/cwt. Select was $1.95 higher at $299.35/cwt.

Kansas City Wheat futures rallied Monday, up 24¢ to 34¢ through Dec ’25 heading into the close on concerns about crop damage in the Ukraine and Russia, and leading Corn. Corn futures were 6¢ to 8¢ higher through Jly ‘25. Soybean futures were 9¢ to 18¢ higher through Aug ’25. 

May 20th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 20, 2024

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

FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in Kansas at $186/cwt., $3-$4 higher in Nebraska at $190 and $3-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt $190 with a few up to $191. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $298-$300. Last week, dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt were mostly $295.

Although too few to trend, there were some FOB live sales in the Texas Panhandle at $186, where prices the previous week were $184.

Fed cattle prices were supported by slower packer production helping to boost wholesale beef prices. Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.30 higher Friday afternoon at $313.45/cwt., the highest level since March. Select was 89¢ higher at $297.40/cwt. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $18.88 higher and Select was $13.23 higher.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 598,000 head was 24,000 head fewer than the previous week and 42,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 11.9 million head was 570,000 head fewer than the (-4.5%) than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 10.1 billion pounds was 220.6 million pounds less (-2.1%).

Cattle futures continued higher Friday, amid stronger boxed beef values and higher cash fed cattle prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.21 higher, from 67¢ higher at the back to $2.02 higher at the front. Week to week on Friday, they were an average of $3.92 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.03 higher. They were an average of $7.87 higher week to week on Friday.

May 19th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 17, 2024

Cattle futures extended further Thursday, buoyed by another day of higher wholesale beef prices, bullish outside markets and a positive reading of export demand.

Net U.S. beef export sales for 2024 the week ending May 9 of 15,100 metric tons were 23% more than the previous week, but 11% less than the prior four-week average. Increases were primarily for Japan, China, Taiwan, Mexico and South Korea.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.38 higher Thursday afternoon at $310.15/cwt. Select was $2.20 higher at $296.51/cwt.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 64¢ higher. Feeder Cattle were an average of $1.40 higher, receiving added support from softer Corn futures.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from limited on light demand to a standstill 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 $186-$190/cwt. and a few dressed delivered sales at $298-$300.

Last week, FOB live prices were $184/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $183-$185 in Kansas, $186-$187 in Nebraska and mostly $187 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $295-$296 in Nebraska and mostly $295 in the western Corn Belt.

Grain futures softened again Thursday.

Heading into the close, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower through Sep ’25. Kansas City Wheat futures mostly 1¢ lower through Sep ’25. Soybean were mostly 1¢ to 5¢ lower through Sep ‘25.

May 16th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 16, 2024

Cattle futures extended gains, supported by recently resurgent wholesale beef prices.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 26¢ higher. Feeder Cattle were an average of 47¢ higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.38 higher Wednesday afternoon at $306.77/cwt. Select was 49¢ higher at $294.31/cwt.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $184/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $183-$185 in Kansas, $186-$187 in Nebraska and mostly $187 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $295-$296 in Nebraska and mostly $295 in the western Corn Belt.

Turning to row crops, Grain futures were lower again on likely profit taking and producer selling.

Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower through Sep ’25. Kansas City Wheat futures mostly 7¢ lower through May ‘25. Soybean were mostly 1¢ to 4¢ lower through May ‘25. 

May 15th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 15, 2024

Cattle futures rallied Tuesday, supported by slower packer production which is helping lift wholesale beef prices.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.29 higher and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.20 higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.44 higher Tuesday afternoon at $304.39/cwt. Select was $6.64 higher at $293.82/cwt.

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 $184/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $183-$185 in Kansas, $186-$187 in Nebraska at $186-187 and mostly $187 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $295-$296 in Nebraska and mostly $295 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $5.44 higher Tuesday afternoon at $304.39/cwt. Select was $6.64 higher at $293.82/cwt.

Turning to row crops, heading into the close, front-month Grain futures were softer on likely profit taking and producer selling.

May 14th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 14, 2024

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Monday as traders appeared to wait for further cash direction.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 46¢ lower to an average of 22¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle closed were an average of 37¢ higher, except for 67¢ lower in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand to a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were steady in the Texas Panhandle at $184/cwt., unevenly steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $183-$185, steady in Nebraska at $186-187 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at mostly $187. Dressed delivered prices were $1 higher in Nebraska at $295-$296 and mainly steady in the western Corn Belt at mostly $295.

The five-area weighted average direct FOB live steer price last week was 20¢ higher at$185.94. The weighted average dressed delivered steer prices was 63¢ higher at $295.28.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.38 higher Monday afternoon at $298.95/cwt. Select was $3.01 higher at $287.18/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Monday, with follow-through support from Friday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates and planting delays.

Corn futures were mostly fractionally higher to 5¢ higher through Jly ’25.

Kansas City Wheat futures 16¢ to 25¢ higher through Jly ‘25.

Soybean were mostly 4¢ to 8¢ higher through 2025. 

May 13th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 13, 2024

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on very light demand in the Texas Panhandle to moderate 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 $184/cwt., unevenly steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $183-$185, steady in Nebraska at $186-187 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $187. Dressed delivered prices were $1 higher in Nebraska at $295-$296 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $295.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 622,000 head was the same as a week earlier but 22,000 head less than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated cattle slaughter of 11.4 million head was 527,000 head less (-4.4%) than the same time last year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 9.6 billion pounds was 208.8 million pounds less (-2.1%) less than a year earlier.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 82¢ lower Friday afternoon at $294.57/cwt. Select was $1.59 lower at $284.17/cwt. Week to week on Friday, Choice was 37¢ higher but Select was $3.48 lower.

Cattle futures were mixed Friday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 44¢ higher. Week to week on Friday, they were an average of 83¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 11¢ lower to an average of 21¢ higher with the front months pressured by Corn futures. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.19 lower week to week on Friday.

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Friday, supported by the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below), which were less bearish than expected.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 12¢ to 21¢ higher.

Corn futures closed mostly 9¢ to 13¢ higher through May ’25, and then mostly 4¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 7¢ to 10¢ higher through Sep ’24, and then mostly 3¢ to 4¢ higher.

May 12th, 2024|

Cattle Current Podcast—May 10, 2024

Cattle futures were lower again Thursday, on weaker boxed beef cutout values and the lack of cash direction.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 63¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.19 lower.

Front month Cattle futures were trending mixed early in today’s session.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from at a standstill in the Texas Panhandle to mostly inactive on light demand elsewhere through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $184/cwt. in the Southern Plains $186-$187 in Nebraska and $185-$187 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $294-$295.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.28 lower Thursday afternoon at $295.39/cwt. Select was $2.49 lower at $285.76/cwt.

Net U.S. beef export sales the week ending May 2 of 12,300 metric tons for