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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.    

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.   

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.     

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 2024 were down 45% from the previous week and 29% from the prior four-week average. Increases were primarily for Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada.

Grain futures were lower Wednesday with likely producer selling and perhaps positioning ahead of Friday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower through Jly ‘25. Kansas City Wheat futures mostly 3¢ higher. Soybean were 9¢ to 20¢ lower through Aug ‘25.  

Cattle futures were lower Wednesday on wobbly boxed beef values and the lack of weekly cash fed cattle direction.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.18 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.60 lower.

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 $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 were $1.82 lower Wednesday afternoon at $296.67/cwt. Select was $4.09 lower at $288.25/cwt.

Grain futures were lower Wednesday with likely producer selling and perhaps positioning ahead of Friday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Heading into the close, Corn futures were 5¢ to 8¢ lower through May ‘25. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 10¢ to 15¢ lower through Jly ’25. Soybean were mostly 12¢ to 21¢ lower through Mar ‘25. 

Cattle futures bounced back Tuesday, supported by resurgent wholesale beef values.

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

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was 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 Southern Plains $186-$187 in Nebraska and $185-$187 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $294-$295.

Wholesale beef prices continued to firm, offering hopes that the seasonal rally has begun.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 27¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $298.49/cwt. Select was $2.59 higher at $292.34/cwt.

Grain futures softened Tuesday amid likely producer selling. Heading into the close, Corn futures were narrowly mixed from fractionally lower to 3¢ lower in the front three contracts and then fractionally higher to 1¢ higher through Dec ‘25. Kansas City Wheat futures were 7¢ to 15¢ lower through May ‘25. However, Soybean were mostly 3¢ to 7¢ higher through Jly ‘25.

Heading into the close and before settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of 27¢ higher through the front five contracts, buoyed by last week’s stronger cash trade and then unchanged to an average of 61¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.28 lower with pressure from nearby Corn contracts.

Heading into the close Monday Grain and Soybean futures continued higher as traders appeared to bet on planting progress delays in the weekly Crop Progress report (see below).

Corn futures were mostly 7¢ to 10¢ higher through near Sep.

Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 18¢ to 20¢ higher through Jly ’25.

Soybean were 21¢ to 32¢ higher through near Sep.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $184/cwt., $2 higher in Nebraska at $186-$187 and $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at $185-$187. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $1 higher in Nebraska at $294-$295 and mostly $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at mainly $295.

The weekly weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was $1.59 higher at $185.74. The average dressed delivered steer price was 26¢ higher at $294.65.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.56 higher Monday afternoon at $298.76/cwt. Select was $2.10 higher at $289.75/cwt.

Cattle futures mostly edged higher Friday, extending gains from the previous session and supported by higher cash fed cattle prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 43¢ higher., except for 12¢ lower in the spot month. They were an average of $2.39 lower week to week on Friday.

Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 32¢ lower in the front three contracts to an average of 13¢ higher. They were an average of $5.38 lower week to week on Friday.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade in the Southern Plains ranged from slow on light demand in the Texas Panhandle to moderate on moderate demand in Kansas through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Elsewhere, trade was slow on light demand.

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $184/cwt., $2 higher in Nebraska at $186-$187 and $1-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $187. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $1 higher in Nebraska at $295 and $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at $295.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.30 higher Friday afternoon at $294.20/cwt. Select was 33¢ lower at $287.65/cwt. However, week to week on Friday, Choice was $2.94 lower and Select was $1.07 lower.

Total estimated cattle slaughter of 619,000 head last week was 6,000 more than the previous week but 2,000 head less than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 10.8 million head was 509,700 head fewer (-4.5%). Year-to-date estimated beef production of 9.0 billion pounds was 214.1 million pounds less (-2.3%).

Turning to row crops, Grain and Soybean futures continued higher Friday as traders added weather premiums.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 11¢ to 13¢ higher through May ’25. and then mostly 6¢ to 7¢ higher.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 9¢ to 14¢ higher through Aug ’25 and then mostly 7¢ higher.

Cattle futures rallied back Thursday, fueled by confirmation that no traces of Bovine Influenza A virus (BIAV) were found in ground beef samples by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.37 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.26 higher.

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.

For the week, FOB live prices are $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $187/cwt. and $1-$3 higher in the western Corn Belt at $187. Dressed delivered prices are steady to $1 higher at $294-$295.

FOB live prices in the Southern Plains last week were $182.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 64¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $292.90/cwt. Select was 9¢ lower at $287.98/cwt.

Cattle futures tried to overcome the Bovine Influenza A virus headlines but couldn’t, taking another step lower Wednesday.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.64 lower (67¢ to $2.30 lower). 

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.55 lower.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $182/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $184-$185 in Nebraska and $184-$186 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $294-$295.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 83¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $293.54/cwt. Select was $1.88 lower at $288.07/cwt.

Heading into the close, Corn futures were 1¢ to 3¢ higher through Jly ‘25. Soybean were mostly 5¢ higher through Jly ‘25.  Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 6¢ to 10¢ lower through Jly ‘25.

Cattle futures tumbled Tuesday on new that Bovine Influenza A virus (BIAV) was confirmed in Colorado dairy cows and chatter that USDA was testing ground beef for particles of the virus in states where BIAV had been confirmed.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.21 lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.12 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade in the Southern Plains and Nebraska was at a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. In the Western Corn belt, trade was slow on light demand. The most recent market in that region was Monday with live FOB purchases at $185/cwt. Last week dressed delivered purchases traded at $294 on a light test.

Last week, FOB live prices were steady in the Southern Plains at $182/cwt., mostly $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $184-$185 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $184-$186. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher at $294-$295 in Nebraska and $294 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.16 lower Tuesday afternoon at $294.37/cwt. Select was 26¢ lower at $289.95/cwt.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed  6¢  to 21¢ lower.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢  to 2¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 15¢  to 22¢ lower.

Cattle futures softened Monday, taking a break from last week’s gains and amid likely profit taking and month-end positioning.

Heading into the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 67¢ lower (32¢ to $1.35 lower), except for 77¢ higher in spot Apr. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 42¢ lower.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were steady in the Southern Plains at $182/cwt., mostly $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $184-$185 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $184-$186. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher at $294-$295 in Nebraska and $294 in the western Corn Belt.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $1.48 higher at $182.67. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $2.04 higher at $294.39.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 39¢ higher Monday afternoon at $297.53/cwt. Select was $1.49 higher at $290.21/cwt.

Heading into the close, Corn futures were fractionally lower through Mar ‘25. Soybean were 1¢ to 4¢ higher through Nov. ‘24. 

Cattle futures closed higher Friday, helped along by stronger cash fed cattle prices to end the week, as well as weekly gains in Choice wholesale beef values.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 56¢ higher. They were an average of $3.82 higher week to week on Friday.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.07 higher. They were an average of $6.60 higher week to week.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were steady in the Southern Plains at $182/cwt., mostly $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $184-$185 and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $184-$186. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher at $294-$295 in Nebraska and $294 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 22¢ higher Friday afternoon at $297.14/cwt. Select was 94¢ lower at $288.72/cwt.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 613,000 head was 7,000 head fewer than the previous week and 14,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 10.2 million head was 505,000 head fewer (-4.7%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date beef production of 8.5 billion pounds was 229.6 million pounds less (-2.6%).

Turning to row crops, KC HRW Wheat futures closed 11¢ to 14¢ higher. Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower. Soybean futures closed mixed, fractionally lower to 3¢ lower through Jan ’25 and then fractionally higher to 3¢ higher.

Heading into Wednesday’s close, Cattle futures were recovering from the previous day’s losses, helped along by higher cash fed cattle trade in the north.

Live Cattle futures mixed, from an average of $1.86 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.80 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade and demand were moderate in Nebraska  and slow on light demand in the western Corn Belt, through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $184-$185/cwt. and steady to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt a $184-$186.

Dressed delivered prices were $1-$2 higher in Nebraska at $294. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt last week were $292.

So far this week, FOB live prices are steady in the Southern Plains at $282.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.18 higher Thursday afternoon at $296.92/cwt. Select was 76¢  lower at $289.66/cwt.

Turning to row crops, heading into the close, Kansas City Wheat futures were 1¢ to 2¢ lower through Mar ’25 on likely profit taking and producer selling. Corn futures were fractionally higher to 1¢ lower through Jly ‘25. Soybean futures were mostly fractionally lower through May ‘25. 

Heading into Wednesday’s close, Cattle futures were sharply lower, pressured by news that viral fragments of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) were found in pasteurized milk during the ongoing investigation into Bovine Influenza A virus found in dairy cattle. Although there is no reason to doubt the safety of pasteurized milk, the headlines made traders skittish.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.32 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade and demand were moderate in the Southern Plains through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were steady at $182/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill.

Last week, FOB live prices were mainly $183 in Nebraska and $184 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $292-$293.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.66 lower Wednesday afternoon at $295.74/cwt. Select was $2.34 lower at $290.42/cwt.

Heading into the close, wheat was higher again based on weather concerns.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 14¢ to 17¢ higher through Jly ‘25.

Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 5¢ lower through Mar ‘25.

Soybean futures were mostly fractionally mixed through Jly ‘25.

Cattle futures were mixed with Live Cattle taking a breather and awaiting weekly cash direction while last Friday’s Cattle on Feed report continued helping lift Feeder Cattle.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 69¢ higher. Live Cattle futures mixed, from an average of 63¢ lower in the front five contracts to an average of an average of 84¢ 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 $182/cwt., in the Southern Plains, mostly $183 in Nebraska and $184 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $292-$293.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.47 higher Tuesday afternoon at $297.40/cwt. Select was 89¢ higher at $292.76/cwt.

Heading into the close Tuesday, Wheat futures were the grain the complex higher again, based on weather concerns and apparent short covering.

Kansas City Wheat futures were 11¢ to 13¢ higher through Jly ‘25.

Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher through Jly ‘25.

Soybean futures were 1¢ to 5¢ higher through Nov ‘24.

Cattle futures surged higher Monday, supported by Friday’s friendly Cattle on Feed report, which indicated fewer March placements than expected.

At the close and before final settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.56 higher and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.71 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 steady in the Southern Plains at $182/cwt., mostly $1 lower in Nebraska at mainly $183 and $1 lower in the western Corn Belt at $184. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $1 lower in Nebraska at $292-$293 and $1 lower in the western Corn Belt at $292 in a light test.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $1.17 lower at $182.67/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was 74¢ lower at $292.35.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 26¢ higher Monday afternoon at $295.93/cwt. Select was $1.04 higher at $291.87/cwt.

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Friday with uncertainty about the Cattle on Feed report, which ultimately proved to be likely supportive.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 12¢ higher, except for unchanged to an average of 5¢ lower in three contracts. They were an average of $4.20 higher week to week on Friday.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 57¢ lower. They were an average of $6.82 higher week to week on Friday.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate 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 slow on light to moderate demand.

FOB live prices were steady in the Southern Plains at $182/cwt., mostly $1 lower in Nebraska at $183 and $1 lower in the western Corn Belt at $184. Dressed delivered prices were $1 lower at $292.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 13¢ lower Friday afternoon at $295.67/cwt. Select was $1.56 higher at $290.83/cwt.

Last week, estimated total cattle slaughter of 620,000 head was 17,000 head more than the previous week but 5,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Estimated year-to-date total cattle slaughter of 9.5 million head was 486,000 head fewer (-4.7%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 8 billion pounds was 233.9 million pounds less (-2.8%). For broader context, estimated total year-to-date red meat production is 1.3% less.

Turning to row crops, Grain and Soybean futures rallied Friday with likely short covering.

Corn futures closed mostly 4¢ to 6¢ higher, with added support from the Environmental Protection Agency’s emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 gasoline — gasoline blended with 15% ethanol — to be sold during the summer driving season. 

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 6¢ to 7¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 11¢ to 16¢ higher through Jan ’25.

Cattle futures gained Thursday with likely positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report. Export sales also provided support.

Net U.S. beef export sales for the week ending April 11 were 17,700 metric tons for 2024, according to the weekly U.S. Export Sales report. That was 30% more than the previous week and 27% more than the prior four-week average. Increases were primarily for South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Mexico.

At the close and before final settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.46 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.65 higher.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $182/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $184 in Nebraska and $185 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $293.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.01 lower Thursday afternoon at $295.80/cwt. Select was $1.61 lower at $289.27/cwt.

Turning to row crops before the close, Corn futures mostly 4¢ lower. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher through Jly ’25. Soybean futures were 10¢ to 16¢ lower through Jly ’25.

Cattle futures drifted Wednesday as traders awaited cash direction. Likely, there was added hesitancy ahead of Friday monthly Cattle on Feed report. Estimates see placements being 8% less year over year and marketings down 12% for an April 1 inventory about 2% higher.

At the close and before final settlement, Live Cattle futures mixed, from an average of 28¢ lower in the front four contracts to an average of 27¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 24¢ lower, except for 15¢ higher in spot Apr.

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 $182/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $184 in Nebraska and $185 in the western Corn Belt.

Dressed delivered prices were $3-$4 lower in Nebraska at $293 and $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $293.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.24 lower Wednesday afternoon at $296.78/cwt. Select was $1.76 lower at $290.88/cwt.

Turning to row crops toward the close, Corn futures were mostly 2¢ lower through Dec ‘25. Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 8¢ to 13¢ lower through Jly ’25. Soybean futures were 1¢ to 4¢ higher through Jan ’25. 

Cattle futures continued higher Tuesday for the second consecutive session, perhaps establishing a bottom.

At the close and before final settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.59 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.38 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 $182/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $184 in Nebraska and $185 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $293.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.86 lower Tuesday afternoon at $298.02/cwt. Select was $1.30 higher at $292.64/cwt.

Turning to row crops, heading into the close, Corn and Soybean futures were lower again with likely pressure from positive weather and the early planting pace. According to USDA’s weekly Crop Progress report, 6% of corn was in the ground, which was 1% more than the five-year average; and 3% of soybeans were planted, which was 2% more than average.

Corn futures were mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower through Dec ‘25. Soybean futures were 8¢ to 13¢ lower through Jly ’25. However, Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher through Jly ’25.

Cattle futures bounced back some Monday with likely short covering.

At the close and before final settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.86 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.51 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 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $182/cwt., $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $182, $3 lower in Nebraska at $184 and $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $185.

Dressed delivered prices were $3-$4 lower in Nebraska at $293 and $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $293.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was $1.89 lower at $183.84. The average dressed delivered steer price was $3.78 lower at $293.09.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 31¢ higher Monday afternoon at $300.88/cwt. Select was $4.20 lower at $291.34/cwt.

Turning to row crops, heading into the close, Grain and Soybean futures gave back gains from the previous session with likely producer selling.

Corn futures were 3¢ to 4¢ lower through May ‘25. Kansas City Wheat futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower through May ’25. Soybean futures were 8¢ to 15¢ lower through Jan ’25.

Cattle futures sank lower Friday with pressure including the bounce higher in grain futures, more cases of Bovine Influenza A Virus in dairy cattle and struggling outside markets.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.39 lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.27 lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.39 and Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.25 lower.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $182/cwt., $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $182, $3 lower in Nebraska at $184 and $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $185.

Dressed delivered prices were $3-$4 lower in Nebraska at $293 and $4 lower in the western Corn Belt at $293.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.20 higher Friday afternoon at $300.57/cwt. Select was 39¢ higher at $295.54/cwt.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 603,000 head was 10,000 head fewer than the previous week and 8,000 head fewer than the same week a year earlier. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 8.9 million head was 482,000 head fewer (-5.1%) year over year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 7.5 billion pounds was 251.6 million pounds less (-3.3%).

Grain and Soybean futures rallied Friday as funds appeared to exit positions amid risk-off sentiment in equity markets.

Corn futures closed 5¢ to 6¢ higher through Jly ’25 and then mostly 2¢ to 3¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 5¢ to 8¢ higher through May ’25 and then mostly 3¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 11¢ to 14¢ higher through Jan ’25 and then 6¢ to 9¢ higher.

Cattle futures were higher into the close and before settlement on Thursday, despite steady to lower early cash fed cattle prices and recently weaker wholesale beef values.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 56¢ higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 95¢ 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.

Compared to last week, FOB live prices were $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $182/cwt. and $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $185 where dressed delivered prices were $4 lower at mostly $293.

Last week, FOB live prices were $184 in the Texas Panhandle and $187 in Nebraska where dressed delivered prices were $296-$297.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 14¢ higher at $298.37/cwt. Select was 87¢ lower at $295.15.

Turning to row crops, Grain and Soybean futures were trending lower at the close Thursday with pressure from the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below).

Corn futures 3¢ to 5¢ lower through Mar ‘25. Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ to 11¢ lower through May ‘25. Soybean futures were 4¢ to 5¢ lower through next March.  

Cattle futures lost more ground Wednesday with pressures including heavy carcass weights and announced import restrictions by some states on cattle from states with confirmed cases of Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV).

At the close and before final settlement, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.57 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.72 lower.

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 $184/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $183-$184 in Kansas and $187 in the north. Dressed delivered prices were $296-$297 in Nebraska and $297 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.86 lower at $298.23/cwt. Select was $3.88 lower at $296.02.

Turning to row crops, heading toward Wednesday’s close, Kansas City Wheat futures were 8¢ to 17¢ higher through Dec ’25 which helped drag Corn futures mostly 2¢ to 4¢ higher through near Dec.

However, Soybean futures were 5¢ to 9¢ lower ahead of Thursday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.  

Cattle futures gained some Tuesday with a likely technical bounce.

At the close and before final settlement, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.26 higher, while Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.94 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through 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-$184 in Kansas and $187 in the north. Dressed delivered prices were $296-$297 in Nebraska and $297 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 2¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $302.09/cwt. Select was 37¢ lower at $299.90.

Turning to row crops, positive weather outlooks in the U.S. and South America helped pressure grains Tuesday. Heading toward the close,

Corn futures were down 4¢ to 6¢ through Dec. ’25, Kansas City Wheat futures were mostly 6¢ to 13¢ lower through Dec ’25 and Soybean futures were mostly 6¢ lower through the front of the Board.

Higher wholesale beef values helped Live Cattle futures firm on Monday.

Live Cattle closed an average of 67¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 50¢ lower, except for $1.45 higher in spot Apr.

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 $184/cwt., $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $183-$184, $2-$3 lower in Nebraska at $187 and $1-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $187. Dressed delivered prices were $3-$5 lower in Nebraska at $296-$297 and $2-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $297.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $2.50 lower at $185.73. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $2.62 lower at $296.87.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.90 higher Monday afternoon at $302.07/cwt. Select was $5.57 higher at $300.27/cwt.

Turning to row crops, Corn futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher. KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 5¢ higher.

Cattle futures plumbed lower Friday with continued concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in dairy cattle.

Live Cattle closed an average of $3.08 lower ($2.70 to $3.80 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.96 lower ($3.92 to $5.85 lower).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in the Southern Plains to slow 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 $184/cwt., $1-$2 lower in Kansas at $183-$184, $2-$3 lower in Nebraska at $187 and $1-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $187. Dressed delivered prices were $3-$5 lower in Nebraska at $296-$297 and $2-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $297.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 2¢ higher Friday afternoon at $297.17/cwt. Select was $1.35 lower at $294.70/cwt.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 609,000 head was 23,000 more than the previous week and 4,000 head more than the same week a year earlier. Total estimated year-to-date cattle slaughter of 8.3 million head was 473,000 fewer (-5.4%) year over year. Estimated year-to-date beef production of 7.0 billion pounds was 264.6 million pounds less (-3.7%).

Corn futures closed mostly unchanged to fractionally mixed.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 3¢ to 6¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 5¢ higher through Nov ’24 and then mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand in the North through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. For the week, FOB live prices are $2-$3 lower at $187/cwt. Dressed delivered prices are $3-$5 lower in Nebraska at $296-$297 and $2-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $297.

Trade was at a standstill in the Southern Plains. FOB live prices last week were $186 in the Texas Panhandle and $185-$186 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.15 lower at $297.15/cwt. Select was 87¢ lower at $296.05/cwt.

Cattle futures edged higher Thursday, but were down sharply lower at mid-session on Friday as concerns about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza continue to weigh.

Live Cattle closed an average of 89¢ higher (25¢ to $1.25 higher).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.46 higher (75¢ to $2.02 higher).

Grain futures closed higher with apparent short covering.

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

KC HRW Wheat futures closed fractionally higher to 1¢ higher, except for 3¢ lower in spot May.

Soybean futures closed fractionally lower to 3¢ lower through Jan ’25  and then fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed lower Wednesday with pressure including softer early cash fed cattle prices, weakening wholesale beef values and continued uncertainty tied to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows linked to a rare case in humans.

Live Cattle closed an average of 74¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.05.

Through Wednesday afternoon, negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand in the North, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

There were some early live delivered trades in Nebraska at $189/cwt. FOB live sales there last week were $189-$190). There were also some early FOB live sales the western Corn Belt at $187, which was $1-$3 lower. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $4-$6 lower at $296. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt last week were $299-$300 in a very light test.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on light demand. Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $185-$186 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.86 lower Wednesday afternoon at $301.30/cwt. Select was $2.07 lower at $296.92/cwt.

Grains and Soybean futures closed higher Wednesday with apparent short covering.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 5¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 10¢ to 17¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 8¢ higher.

Cattle futures firmed and clawed back a little ground without much conviction on Tuesday after being hammered by panic selling in the previous session, tied to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows linked to a rare case in humans.

Live Cattle closed an average of $1.02 higher (50¢ to $1.70 higher).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.43 higher ($1.35 to $3.07 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, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $185-$186 in Kansas, $189-$190 in Nebraska and $188-$190 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $299-$302 in Nebraska and $299-$300 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.58 lower Tuesday afternoon at $304.16/cwt. Select was $2.80 lower at $298.99/cwt.

Corn futures closed 4¢ to 9¢ lower through Sep ’25 and then fractionally lower to 2¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 9¢ to 13¢ lower through May ’25. and then 6¢ to 7¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 4¢ to 11¢ lower through Jan ’25.

Cattle futures, already weakened by last week’s lower cash fed cattle trade and Choice wholesale beef values, crumbled Monday with another round of panic selling tied to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows linked to a rare case in humans (see below).

Live Cattle closed an average of $4.91 lower (45¢ lower at the back to $6.10 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $6.91 lower.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Texas Panhandle at $186/cwt., $2-$3 lower in Kansas at $185-$186, steady to $1lower in Nebraska at $189-$190 and $1-$2 lower in the western Corn belt at $188-190. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $3 lower in Nebraska at 299-$302 and $2-$3 lower in the western Corn Belt at $299-300.

The five-area weighted average FOB live steer price last week was $1.33 lower at $188.23/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steer price was $2.64 lower at $299.49.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 98¢ lower Monday afternoon at $305.74/cwt. Select was $1.64 lower at $301.79/cwt.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 6¢ lower through Sep ’25 and then mostly fractionally lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 5¢ to 9¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 2¢ to 5¢ lower.

Futures and equity markets were closed on Friday, in observance of Good Friday.

Although Cattle futures firmed at the end of weekly trade, they ended sharply lower week to week, due in part to the previous Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report. As mentioned in Cattle Current, feedlot placements in February were 9.7% more year over year and 3.4% more than expected.

Futures also suffered from panic selling earlier in the week that stemmed from confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in dairy cows (see below).

Week to week on Thursday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $4.22 lower ($3.37 to $5.07 lower).

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices softened, too. For the week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $186/cwt., steady to $1 lower in Nebraska at $189-$190 and $1-$2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $188-$190. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $3 lower in Nebraska at $299-$302. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were $302.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $4.00 lower week to week on Friday at $306.72/cwt. Select was $1.96 higher at $303.43. Friday’s Choice-Select spread of $3.29 was the lowest in about two years.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 586,000 head was 12,000 head fewer than the previous week and 59,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 7.7 million head was 473,000 head fewer (-5.8%). Estimated year-to-date beef production of 6.5 billion pounds was 284.5 million pounds less (-4.2%).

Cattle futures gained Thursday, recovering more of the early-week losses as traders positioned for the end of the week and quarter, and ahead of a long weekend.

Live Cattle closed an average of $1.49 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 89¢ higher, except for 30¢ lower in expiring Mar.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in the Texas Panhandle through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $2 lower at $186/cwt.

A day earlier FOB live prices were $3 lower in Kansas at $185.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $190 in Nebraska and $190-$191 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $302.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 22¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $308.36/cwt. Select was $2.74 higher at $301.17/cwt.

Net U.S. beef export sales of 12,700 metric tons (mt) for 2024 were 15% more than the previous week and 4% more than the prior four-week average, according to USDA’s weekly U.S. Export Sales report for the week ending Mar. 21. Increases were primarily for South Korea, Japan, China, Mexico and Taiwan.

Turning to row crops, Corn futures climbed higher, up mostly 10¢ to 15¢, fueled by USDA’s Prospective Plantings report (see below).

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 4¢ to 5¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mixed: 1¢ lower to 3¢ higher through Jan ’25 and then mostly 8¢ to 10¢ higher.

Cattle futures firmed Wednesday.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 91¢ higher (32¢ to $1.42 higher).

Live Cattle closed an average of 27¢ higher, except for 15¢ lower in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade on Wednesday ranged from a standstill to slow on light demand in Kansas where FOB live prices were $3 lower at $185/cwt. in a light test, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Last week, FOB live prices were $188/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190 in Nebraska and $190-$191 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $302.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.51 lower Wednesday afternoon at $308.58/cwt. Select was $1.83 lower at $298.43/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures mostly meandered lower as traders geared up for Thursday’s Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks report from USDA.

Corn futures closed mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 1¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 7¢ lower.

Cattle futures sank Tuesday amid uncertainty spun by negative and potentially negative news.

Closest to home, Monday’s announced confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle from herds in Kansas and Texas likely drew the attention of funds and algorithms. The infections appear to be tied to wild birds. There is no threat to the milk or food supply, according to USDA.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued a statement also emphasizing HPAI has not been detected in beef cattle. However, NCBA encourages producers to implement enhanced biosecurity measures on their farms and ranches to help protect their herds.”

For broader context, according to NCBA, “Detections of avian influenza in birds are common in the United States. While it is uncommon for HPAI to affect mammals, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has been tracking some limited detections of HPAI in mammalian wildlife for many years in the United States.”

So, the fundamental consequences of the HPAI finding depend on consumers.

Live Cattle closed an average of $3.22 lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.48 lower ($1.72 to $5.37 lower).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 20¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $311.09/cwt. Select was $1.70 lower  at $300.26/cwt.

There was no AMS cash fed cattle report available at press time.

Last week, FOB live prices were $188/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $190 in Nebraska and $190-$191 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $302.

Cattle futures closed lower Monday, with pressure including Friday’s bearish monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Live Cattle closed an average of $1.09 lower (67¢ to $1.52 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.60 lower (50¢ to $2.37 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 $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt., $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $190 (a few up to $191) and $2-$3 higher in the western Corn belt at $190-$191 (a few up to $191.50). Dressed delivered prices were $2-$7 higher in Nebraska at $302 and $4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $302.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $2.09 higher at $189.56/cwt. The dressed delivered steer price was $4.07 higher at $302.13.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 17¢ higher Monday afternoon at $310.89/cwt. Select was 49¢ higher at $301.96/cwt.

Corn futures closed mostly unchanged to fractionally lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 16¢ higher through Jly ’25, and then mostly 8¢ to 9¢ higher, supported by edible oils.

Cattle futures closed lower Friday, with likely positioning ahead of what turned out to be a bearish monthly Cattle on Feed report (see below).

Live Cattle closed an average of $1.63 lower (87¢ to $2.00 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.24 lower (92¢ to $4.30 lower).

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt., $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $190 (a few up to $191) and $2-$3 higher in the western Corn belt at $190-$191 (a few up to $191.50). Dressed delivered prices were $2-$7 higher in Nebraska at $302 and $4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $302.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.01 lower Friday afternoon at $310.72/cwt. Select was $2.26 lower at $301.47/cwt. Week to week, Choice was $1.18 lower and Select was 93¢ lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 598,000 head was 3,000 head less than the previous week but 30,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 7.1 million head was 410,000 head fewer (-5.4%) than the same time a year earlier. Estimated beef production of 6.0 billion pounds was 250.7 million pounds less (-4.0%).

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 8¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 16¢ to 20¢ lower, with likely profit taking.

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

FOB live prices were $2 higher in the Southern Plains at $188/cwt., $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $190 (a few up to $191) and $2-$3 higher in the western Corn belt at $190-$191. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$7 higher in Nebraska at $302 and $4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $302.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 29¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $313.73/cwt. Select was $1.02 higher at $303.73/cwt.

Despite the higher cash trade, Cattle futures edged lower Thursday, with some likely positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Live Cattle closed an average of 43¢ lower., except for 57¢ higher in spot Apr.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 88¢ lower (30¢ to $1.07 lower), except for 62¢ higher in spot Mar.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher, helped along by weekly export numbers.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ higher, also helped by weekly exports.

Cattle futures closed slightly lower Wednesday, basically in a holding pattern ahead of weekly cash fed cattle trade and Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Live Cattle closed an average of 37¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 36¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from slow on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although, too few to trend, there were some early FOB live sales in Kansas at $186/cwt.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $187-$188 in Nebraska and $187-$189 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $295-$300 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 22¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $313.44/cwt. Select was 47¢ lower at $302.71/cwt.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 12¢ to 14¢ higher, tied in part of new-crop export announcements.

Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed as traders appeared to wait for the week’s cash direction and looking toward Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report.

Live Cattle narrowly mixed, from an average of 38¢ lower in the front four contracts to an average of 21¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 25¢ lower in the front three contracts to an average of 70¢ higher (10¢ to $1.07 higher).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill in all major cattle feeding regions through Tuesday afternoon.

Last week, FOB live prices were $186/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $187-$188 in Nebraska and $187-$189 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $295-$300 in Nebraska and $298 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 11¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $313.22/cwt. Select was 13¢ higher at $303.18/cwt.

Grain futures firmed Tuesday.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 3¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 7¢ to 9¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 1¢ higher., except for fractionally higher to 2¢ lower in the front five contracts.

Strong cash fed cattle prices and higher wholesale beef values helped Cattle futures extend gains Monday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.38 higher (70¢ higher at the back to $1.80 higher toward the front).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.40 higher ($1.92 to $3.12 higher).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.43 higher Monday afternoon at $313.33/cwt. Select was 65¢ higher at $303.05/cwt.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from a standstill to mostly inactive on light demand 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 $186/cwt., $2.00 higher in Nebraska at $187-$188 and $2-$3 higher in the western Corn belt at $187-$189. Dressed delivered prices were steady to $3 higher in Nebraska at $295-$300 and $6 higher in the western Corn Belt at $298.

The weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price last week was $2.35 higher at $187.47/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered price was $4.67 higher at $298.06.

Corn futures closed unchanged to fractionally mixed.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 7¢ to 8¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 7¢ to 10¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed sharply lower Thursday in an outside day with apparent technical pressure.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.18 lower ($1.85 to $2.97 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.89 lower ($2.80 to $4.67 lower).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light to moderate demand in the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher at $188.00. Dressed delivered prices were steady at $292.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill with too few transactions to trend. Last week, FOB live prices were $185 in the Southern Plains and $185-$186 in Nebraska where dressed delivered prices were $292-$300.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 96¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $310.78/cwt. Select was 65¢ higher at $301.69/cwt.

Corn futures closed 4¢ to 7¢ lower through Jly ’25 and then mostly 2¢ lower, with pressure from wheat.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 9¢ to 12¢ lower, pressured by more bullish domestic weather, poor exports and China’s recent cancellation of purchases from the U.S. and other countries.

Soybean futures closed mixed, from 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed higher Wednesday with prospects of higher cash trade again this week.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.42 higher ($1.17 to $2.10 higher) amid heavy volume.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.84 higher ($1.30 higher at the front to $2.17 higher at the back).

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $185-$186/cwt. Dressed delivered prices were $292-$300 in Nebraska and $292 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 77¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $309.82/cwt. Select was $1.44 higher at $301.04/cwt.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 4¢ to 9¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ lower.

Cattle futures gained Tuesday with support from higher-trending wholesale beef prices and last week’s stronger cash trade.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 64¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 92¢ higher (57¢ to $1.32 higher).

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $185-$186/cwt. Dressed delivered prices were $292-$300 in Nebraska and $292 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.71 higher Tuesday afternoon at $310.79/cwt. Select was 72¢ higher at $299.60/cwt.

Corn futures closed unchanged to fractionally mixed.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 13¢ to 17¢ higher, supported by lower estimated production in Brazil and a hotter forecast in South America.

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 higher in the Southern Plains at $185/cwt., $1.50-$2.00 higher in Nebraska at $185-$186 and $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $185-$186. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$8 higher in Nebraska at $292-$300 and $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $292.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.84 higher Monday afternoon at $308.88/cwt. Select was $1.45 higher at $298.88/cwt.

Cattle futures drifted mainly lower Monday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 27¢ lower, except for an average of 16¢ higher in the back two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 85¢ lower (12¢ to $1.37 lower), except for an average of 36¢ higher in the last two contracts.

Corn futures closed fractionally higher to 2¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 9¢ to 13¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 5¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow 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 higher in the Southern Plains at $185/cwt., $1.50-$2.00 higher in Nebraska at $185-$186 and $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $185-$186. Dressed delivered prices were $2-$8 higher in Nebraska at $292-$300 and $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $292.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 583,000 head was 16,000 head fewer than the previous week and 48,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated cattle slaughter of 5.9 million head was 349,000 head fewer (-5.5%) than the same time last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 4.9 billion pounds was 231.3 million pounds less (-4.5%).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 43¢ higher Friday afternoon at $307.04/cwt. Select was $1.17 higher at $297.43/cwt.

Cattle futures closed lower Friday despite the week’s higher cash trade and the supportive outlook in the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 83¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.33 lower (62¢ to $2.20 lower).

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher with likely short covering despite neutral to bearish World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures closed 2¢ to 3¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 10¢ to 14¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 16¢ to 19¢ higher.

Cattle futures closed higher Thursday, buoyed by stronger cash fed cattle prices.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.11 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 84¢ higher (42¢ to $1.12 higher), except for unchanged in spot Mar.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon ranged from a standstill in the Texas Panhandle to slow on light to moderate demand in Kansas, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were some early FOB live sales in Kansas at $186/cwt. Prices in the Southern Plains last week were $183.

Trade in the North ranged from slow on light to moderate demand in Nebraska to moderate on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt. FOB live prices were $1.50 to $2.00 higher in Nebraska at $185-$186 and $2 higher in the western Corn belt at $185-$186. Dressed delivered prices in both regions were $290 last week.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.70 higher through Thursday afternoon at $306.61/cwt. Select was $1.17 higher at $296.26/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures closed higher Thursday with apparent technical support and perhaps positioning ahead of Friday’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures closed 7¢ to 9¢ higher through May ’25 and then mostly 4¢ to 6¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 10¢ to 18¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 11¢ to 18¢ higher through Jan ’25 and then 6¢ to 7¢ higher.

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, FOB live prices were $183/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $183-$184.50 in Nebraska and $183-$184 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $290.

Cattle futures weakened Wednesday, as traders appeared to be waiting for cash direction.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 46¢ lower (22¢ to $1.07 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 91¢ lower (70¢ to $1.30 lower).

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 12¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $304.91/cwt. Select was 22¢ higher at $295.09/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures were mixed Wednesday. Keep in mind the monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates are scheduled for release this Friday.

Corn futures closed fractionally higher to 2¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 10¢ to 15¢ lower though Dec ’24 and then 6¢ to 7¢ lower, struggling for demand.

Soybean futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures moved ahead Tuesday, mostly erasing losses from the previous session.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 81¢ higher (52¢ to $1.32 higher).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.12 higher (75¢ to $1.50 higher).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on 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, $183-$184.50 in Nebraska and $183-$184 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $290.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.51 lower Tuesday afternoon at $304.79/cwt. Select was 30¢ lower at $294.87/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures softened Tuesday with likely pressure from profit taking and producer selling.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 6¢ to 11¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 6¢ lower.

Cattle futures took a breather Monday as traders appeared to await further cash direction.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 80¢ lower (32¢ to $1.77 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.47 lower (80¢ to $2.40 lower).

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $183/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $183-$184.50 in Nebraska and $183-$184 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $290.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was 35¢ higher at $183.30/cwt. The average dressed delivered price was $1.25 lower at $290.36.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.02 higher Monday afternoon at $306.30/cwt. Select was 57¢ lower at $295.17/cwt.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 7¢ to 10¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 4¢ to 6¢ higher.

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 steady to $1 higher in the Southern Plains at $183/cwt., steady to $1.50 higher in Nebraska at $183-$184.50 and steady to $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at $183-$184. Dressed delivered prices were $2 lower in Nebraska at $290 and steady to $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $290.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.08 higher Friday afternoon at $305.28/cwt., the highest level since October. Choice was $4.67 higher week to week on Friday. Select was $1.56 higher at $295.74/cwt., up $9.43 week to week.

Total estimated cattle slaughter last week of 599,000 head was 6,000 head more than the previous week but 27,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 5.4 million head was 298,000 head less (-5.3%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 4.5 billion pounds was 194.2 million pounds less (-4.2%).

Cattle futures rebounded Friday, supported by higher wholesale beef prices and strong fundamentals.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.90 higher ($1.30 to $3,10 higher), except for 30¢ higher in newly minted away-Aug. They were narrowly mixed week to week.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.35 higher ($2.77 to $4.27 higher). They were an average of $1.40 lower week to week. Besides higher Corn futures and technical correction, some of the mid-week pressure may have stemmed from concerns about the massive Texas wildfires pushing more cattle to market.

Corn futures closed 3¢ to 5¢ lower through Dec ’14 and then 1¢ to 2¢ lower. Week to week on Friday, Corn futures closed an average of 10’5¢ higher through the front six contracts.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 14¢ to 22¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 8¢ to 14¢ higher through Aug ’24 and then mostly 6¢ to 7¢ higher.

Cattle futures continued a downward correction Thursday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 60¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 93¢ lower (37¢ to $1.85 lower).

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 the Southern Plains at $183/cwt., steady in Nebraska at $183 and steady to $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at $183-$184. Dressed delivered prices are $2 lower in Nebraska at $290 and steady to $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $290.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.17 higher Thursday afternoon at $304.20/cwt. Select was $1.24 higher at $294.18/cwt.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 2¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 2¢ to 7¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 5¢ lower.

Cattle futures softened Wednesday with pressure including likely profit taking and month-end positioning.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.13 lower (80¢ to $1.60 lower).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.80 lower ($2.12 to $3.85 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 steady in the Texas Panhandle at $183/cwt. and steady to $1 higher in Kansas at $183.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to a standstill with too few transactions to trend.

Last week, FOB live prices were $183 in Nebraska and $182-$183 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $292 in Nebraska and $290-$292 in the western Corn Belt.

Slower beef packer production continued to support wholesale beef values. Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.29 higher Wednesday afternoon at $303.03/cwt. Select was $2.54 higher at $292.94/cwt.

Turning to row crops, Corn and Soybean futures received some support from chatter about bearish weather in South America.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 5¢ higher, with most of the support in the front contracts.

Soybean futures closed mostly 3¢ to 4¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 4¢ to 6¢ lower, except for 2¢ higher in spot Mar.

Cattle futures basically paddled in place Tuesday, awaiting the week’s cash direction.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 33¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 14¢ lower in three contracts to an average of 16¢ higher.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $183 in the Texas Panhandle, $182-$183 in Kansas, $183 in Nebraska and $182-$184 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $292 in Nebraska and $290-$292  in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 5¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $301.74/cwt. Select was $2.41 higher at $290.40/cwt.

Corn futures closed fractionally higher to 3¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 8¢ to 9¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 2¢ to 4¢ higher through near Aug and then mostly unchanged to fractionally lower.

Overall, futures traders seemed to look past the bearish placement number in Friday’s monthly Cattle on Feed report, seeming instead to focus on strong fundamentals, including last week’s higher cash fed cattle trade. However, the bounce higher in Corn futures helped dampen Feeder Cattle futures.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 26¢ higher, except for unchanged in the back contract.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.07 lower, (50¢ to $1.52 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 $3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $183/cwt., $2-$3 higher in Kansas at $182-$183, $2 higher in Nebraska at $183 and $2-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $182-$184. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $5 higher at $292 and $5-$7 higher in the western Corn Belt at $290-$292.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was $2.60 higher at $182.95/cwt. The average dressed delivered steer price was $5 higher at $291.61.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.18 higher Monday afternoon at $301.79/cwt. Select was $1.68 higher at $287.99/cwt.

Grain futures bounced back Monday, still trying to carve a bottom.

Corn futures closed 6¢ to 8¢ higher through Jly ’25 and then 1¢ to 3¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 7¢ to 15¢ higher through Mar ’25 and then mostly 4¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 3¢ higher through near Aug and then mostly fractionally lower to 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures renewed gains Friday, supported by stronger cash fed cattle prices and perhaps positioning ahead of the Cattle on Feed report (see below).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.31 higher ($1.00 higher at the back to $2.10 higher in spot Feb). They were an average of $1.19 higher week to week on Friday.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.16 higher, ($1.07 higher at the back to $3.07 higher toward the front. They were an average of $3.74 higher week to week.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $183/cwt., $2-$3 higher in Kansas at $182-$183, $2 higher in Nebraska at $183 and $4 higher in the western Corn Belt at $184. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $5 higher at $292. Dressed prices in the western Corn Belt the previous week were $285.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 82¢ higher Friday afternoon at $300.61/cwt. Select was 50¢ higher at $286.31/cwt. Week to week on Friday, Choice was $4.41 higher, while Select was 35¢ lower.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 593,000 head was 15,000 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 4.8 million head was 272,000 head fewer (-5.4%) than the same week the previous year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 4 billion pounds was 177.4 million pounds less (-4.3%).

Grain and Soybean futures eroded further Friday with pressure including producer selling and anemic international demand.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ lower. They were an average of 12’4¢ lower through the front six contracts week to week.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 6¢ to 8¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 9¢ to 14¢ lower in the front three contracts and then mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower.

Cattle futures softened Thursday with likely positioning ahead of Fridays monthly Cattle on Feed report. Many expect the report to indicate a sharp decline in feedlot placement, about 12% less year over year in January, based on average analyst estimates. January marketing are estimated to be about even, while the Feb. 1 on-feed inventory is projected to be up slightly.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 84¢ lower.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an  average of $1.44 lower, except for an average of 56¢ higher in the front three contracts.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $180/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $181 in Nebraska and $180 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $287 in Nebraska and $285 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.99 higher Thursday afternoon at $299.79/cwt. Select was $1.35 higher at $285.81/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures continued searching for a bottom Thursday with apparent added pressure from recent producer selling.

Corn futures closed 4¢ to 5¢ lower through Dec. ’24 and then mostly 2¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 3¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 13¢ lower through Jly ’25. and then mostly 7¢ to 8¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued to crawl mostly higher Wednesday.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 44¢ higher, except for 42¢ lower in spot Feb.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an  average of 45¢ higher, except for an average of 20¢ lower in two contracts.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $180/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $181 in Nebraska and $180 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $287 in Nebraska and $285 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 43¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $297.80/cwt. Select was $3.36 lower at $284.46/cwt.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 7¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 8¢ to 18¢ lower.

Cattle futures closed mostly higher Tuesday, supported by positive fundamentals.

Live Cattle futures closed average of 58¢ higher, except for an average of 30¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.22 higher, except for 35¢ higher in spot Mar.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $180/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $181 in Nebraska and $180 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $287 in Nebraska and $285 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 28¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $297.37/cwt. Select was 42¢ higher at $287.82/cwt.

Apparent short covering helped lift grain futures Tuesday.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 4¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 14¢ to 19¢ higher through Dec ’25.

Soybean futures closed 7¢ to 10¢ higher.

Futures and equity markets were closed Monday in observance of President’s Day.

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 lower in the Southern Plains at $180/cwt., unevenly steady in Nebraska at $181 and steady to $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $180. Dressed delivered prices were unevenly steady in Nebraska at mostly $287 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $285.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live fed steer price last week was 80¢ lower at $180.35. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was 76¢ lower at $286.61.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 89¢ higher Monday afternoon at $297.09/cwt. Select was 74¢ higher at $287.40/cwt

Cattle futures rallied higher Friday helped along by recently stronger wholesale beef values.

Live Cattle futures closed average of $1.11 higher (65¢ to $1.95 higher).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.67 higher (50¢ higher at the back to $3.32 higher at the front).

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $180/cwt., steady to $2.50 lower in Nebraska at $180 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $180-$182. Dressed delivered prices were unevenly steady in Nebraska at mostly $287 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $285.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 90¢ higher Friday afternoon at $296.20/cwt. Select was $1.33 lower at $286.66/cwt.

 Total estimated cattle slaughter last week of 608,000 head was 14,000 head fewer than the previous week and 17,000 head fewer than the same week last year. Total year-to-date estimated cattle slaughter of 4.2. million head was 246,000 head fewer (-5.6%). Year-to-date estimated beef production of 3.5 billion pounds was 153.5 million pounds less (-4.2%).

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 2¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 8¢ to 11¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 5¢ to 10¢ higher.

Live Cattle futures closed higher Thursday, supported by firmer wholesale beef values and more reprieve in Corn futures.

Live Cattle futures closed average of 64¢ higher (17¢ higher at the back to $1.60 higher toward the front).

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 57¢ lower, except for an average of 75¢ higher in the front two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on 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, FOB live prices are $2 lower in the Southern Plains at $180/cwt., steady to $2.50 lower in Nebraska at $180 and mainly steady in the western Corn Belt at $180-$181. Dressed delivered prices are unevenly steady in Nebraska at mostly $287 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $285 on a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.30 higher Thursday afternoon at $295.30/cwt. Select was $3.97 higher at $287.99/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures continued to plumb for new lows Thursday as the lack of demand faces abundant supplies.

Corn futures closed mostly 5¢ to 7¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 11¢ to 14¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 10¢ to 14¢ lower through Sep ’25.

Overbought conditions, seasonally lower wholesale beef values, early cash fed cattle sales at lower money and the previous day’s surprisingly strong Consumer Price Index all weighed on Cattle futures Wednesday.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.43 lower.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.57 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand to active on good demand in the Southern Plains through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $2 lower at $180/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was slow on light to moderate demand with too few transactions to trend. Last week, FOB live prices were $180-$182.50 in Nebraska and $180-$182 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $285-$289 in Nebraska and $285 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.73 higher Wednesday afternoon at $294.00/cwt. Select was $1.28 lower at $284.02/cwt.

Queasiness over the release of the latest USDA projections helped take grain and Soybean futures lower.

Corn futures closed mostly 5¢ to 6¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 7¢ to 9¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 9¢ to 15¢ lower through Jly ’25 and then mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower.

Cattle futures softened Tuesday with pressure from outside markets and likely profit taking.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.07 lower.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 73¢ lower.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $182/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $180-$182.50 in Nebraska and $180-$182 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $285-$289 in Nebraska and $285 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.81 lower Tuesday afternoon at $292.27/cwt. Select was $1.72 lower at $285.30/cwt.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 2¢ to 4¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 3¢ to 6¢ lower.

Cattle futures eased Friday as traders appeared to take a break from the week’s strong gains and awaiting cash fed cattle direction which ultimately proved positive.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.23 lower (15¢ to $2.45 lower) except for 30¢ higher in spot Mar.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 25¢ higher (5¢ to 85¢ higher) except for an average of 12¢ lower in three contracts.

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

FOB live prices were $1.25 to $4.00 higher in Nebraska at $180/cwt. in a light test. Dressed delivered prices were $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $285, where there were a few live trades at $180, but too few to trend.

The previous week, FOB live prices were $178 in the Texas Panhandle, $178-$179 in Kansas and $177-$179 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices in Nebraska were $280.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 97¢ lower Friday afternoon at $294.04/cwt. Select was 96¢ higher at $285.08/cwt. Week to week on Friday, Choice was 96¢ higher and Select was $1.61 higher.

Total estimated cattle slaughter last week of 622,000 head was 15,000 head fewer than the previous week and 6,000 head fewer than the same week a year earlier. Beef packers continue to slow production in efforts to boost wholesale beef values. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 3.6 million head was 225,000 head fewer (-5.9%) than the same period last year. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 3 billion pounds was 133.8 million pounds less (-4.3%) than a year earlier.

Grain and soybean futures continued to be pressured by the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 9¢ to 11¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 84¢ higher Thursday (5¢ higher at the back to $1.77 higher toward the front), supported by friendly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below) and prospects of higher cash prices this week.

Feeder Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of 53¢ higher through the front five contracts (2¢ to $1.30 higher) to an average of 27¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was slow on light demand in the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were a few early FOB live trades at $179/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was at a standstill.

Last week, FOB live prices were $178 in the Texas Panhandle, $178-$179 in Kansas,  $176-$178.75 in Nebraska and $177-$179 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $280.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 3¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $295.01/cwt. Select was $1.30 lower at $284.13/cwt.

Corn futures closed 1¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 13¢ to 17¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 2¢ to 8¢ higher.

Cattle futures took a breather Wednesday with traders apparently waiting for the week’s cash direction.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 47¢ lower (17¢ lower toward the back to $1.12 lower in the spot month).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 76¢ lower (27¢ lower at the back to $1.27 lower toward the front).

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $178/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $178-$179 in Kansas, $176-$178.75 in Nebraska and $177-$179 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices $280.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 91¢ higher Wednesday afternoon at $294.98/cwt. Select was 82¢ higher at $285.42/cwt.

Apparent fund selling helped pressure Corn and Soybean futures. Positioning ahead of Thursday’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates could have played a role, too.

Corn futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed 5¢ to 10¢ lower through Sep ’25 and then mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 1¢ higher.

Cattle futures roared back Tuesday with apparent fund buying.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.78 higher (from $1.95 higher at the back to $3.92 higher at the front).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.04 higher (from $1.05 higher near the back to $3.72 higher toward the front).

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $178/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $178-$179 in Kansas, $176-$178.75 in Nebraska and $177-$179 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices $280.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 59¢ higher Tuesday afternoon at $294.07/cwt. Select was 83¢ higher at $284.60/cwt.

Soybean futures closed fractionally higher to 3¢ higher through Sep ’25 and then mostly 1¢ lower.

Corn futures closed fractionally mixed after the first three contracts.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally lower after the first few contracts.

Cattle futures closed lower Monday on oversold conditions and likely profit taking as traders await this week’s cash direction.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.89 lower.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.19 lower.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $178/cwt., $4 higher in Kansas at $178-$179, $1 to $1.75 higher in Nebraska at $176-$178.75 and steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $177-$179. Dressed delivered prices were $3 higher at $280.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 40¢ higher Monday afternoon at $293.48/cwt. Select was 30¢ higher at $283.77/cwt.

Soybean futures closed 4¢ to 7¢ higher through Nov ’25.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 8¢ to 11¢ lower.

Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Friday as traders paused at the end of a significantly positive week, fueled by gains in cash fed cattle prices and supported by the friendly Cattle report.

For the week, FOB live prices were $3 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $178/cwt., $4 higher in Kansas at $178-$179, steady to $1 higher in Nebraska at $176-$177 and steady to $5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $177-$179. Dressed delivered prices were $3 higher at $280.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 44¢ lower. Week to week, there were an average of $3.99 higher.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 39¢ higher, except for unchanged in away Feb. Week to week, they were an average of $2.36 higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.86 lower Friday afternoon at $293.08/cwt. Select was 22¢ higher at $283.47/cwt. Week to week, Choice was $7.45 lower and Select was down $5.66.

Estimated total cattle slaughter last week of 637,000 head was 19,000 more than the previous week and the same as a year earlier. Year-to-date estimated total cattle slaughter of 2.9 million head was 215,000 head fewer (-6.8%) than the same period a year ago. Year-to-date estimated beef production of 2.5 billion pounds was 125.7 million pounds less (-4.8%).

Soybean futures closed 14¢ to 15¢ lower through Sep ’25.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ to 4¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 3¢ to 5¢ higher.

Cattle futures charged ahead Thursday, fueled by strong gains in cash fed cattle prices and the bullish Cattle inventory report (see below) released after trading the previous day.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.90 higher ($3.21 higher at the back to $4.72 higher at the front).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.08 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in the Southern Plains through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were mostly $3 higher at mostly $178/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand to moderate on light demand.

So far this week, dressed delivered prices are $3 higher at $280.

Last week, FOB live prices were $175-$177 in Nebraska and $174-$177 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value were 40¢ higher Thursday afternoon at $294.94/cwt. Select was 92¢ lower at $287.05/cwt.

Corn futures closed unchanged to 1¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 1¢ lower.

Soybean futures closed mostly 12¢ to 19¢ lower.

Cattle futures bounced back Tuesday, perhaps with positioning ahead of Wednesday’s Cattle inventory report.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.98 higher, except for 27¢ higher in the back contract.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 80¢ higher, 52¢ to $1.27 higher.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $175/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $174-$175 in Kansas (mostly $175), $175-$177 in Nebraska and $174-$177 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were at $277

Choice boxed beef cutout value (p.m.): $3.35 lower at $296.07/cwt. Select was $1.77 lower at $287.05/cwt.

Grain and soybean futures rallied Tuesday with apparent short covering.

Corn futures closed 6¢ to 8¢ higher through May ’25.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 8¢ to 12¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed 12¢ to 24¢ higher.

Cattle futures started Monday’s session with follow-through support that faded as the day wore on amid likely profit taking and positioning ahead of Wednesday’s USDA Cattle inventory report. Although another year of beef cow contraction is widely anticipated, the degree will also depend on whether USDA makes any adjustments to prior-year figures.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 94¢ lower (55¢ to $1.32 lower).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 56¢ 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 $175/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $174-$175 in Kansas (mostly $175), $175-$177 in Nebraska and $174-$177 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were at $277.

The five-area direct weighted average FOB live steer price last week was $1.68 higher at $175.44/cwt. The five-area direct dressed delivered price was $2.98 higher at $276.87.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.11 lower Monday afternoon at $299.42/cwt. Select was 31¢ lower at $288.82/cwt.

Turning to row crops, grain and soybean futures closed lower Monday with apparent concerns about China’s economy.

Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 15¢ lower through May ’25 and then mainly fractionally higher.

Corn futures closed 1¢ to 6¢ lower through Jly ’25 and then 1¢ to 4¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 7¢ to 8¢ lower.

Cattle futures continued higher Friday, buoyed by lighter carcass weights due to the weather, higher cash fed cattle prices and strong wholesale beef values.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.62 higher. Week to week, they were up an average of $7.64.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 94¢ higher. They were an average of $3.70 higher week to week.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $1.50 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $175/cwt., $1-$2 higher in Kansas at $174-$175 (mostly $175), $2-$4 higher in Nebraska at $175-$177 and from $1 lower to $2 higher in the western Corn Belt at $174-$177. Dressed delivered prices were $3-$4 higher at $277.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.85 higher Friday afternoon at $300.53/cwt. Select was $1.28 higher at $289.13/cwt. Week to week, Choice was $5.03 higher and Select was $6.08 higher.

Grain and soybean futures continued to chop in search of a low Friday.

Soybean futures closed 10¢ to 14¢ lower.

Corn futures closed 4¢ to 5¢ lower through Jly ’25.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 6¢ to 9¢ lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices bounced higher Thursday.

FOB live prices were $1.50 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $175/cwt., $2 higher in Kansas at $175, $2-$4 higher in Nebraska at $175-$177 and unevenly steady in the western Corn Belt at $174-$176. Dressed delivered prices $3-$4 higher in Nebraska at $277. Prices in the western Corn Belt last week were $273-$274.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 82¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $298.68/cwt. Select was 61¢ higher at $287.85/cwt.

Stronger cash fed cattle prices and strong country demand for calves and feeder cattle helped push Cattle futures higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.54 higher ($2.72 higher at the back to $4.40 higher in spot Mar), not counting Jan going off the board 20¢ higher.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.53 higher (60¢ higher at the back to $2.37 higher in the front contract).

Turning to row crops, traders took some of the South American weather premium back out of Soybean futures, which closed mostly 10¢ to 17¢ lower.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed 1¢ to 11¢ higher through May ’25 and then 2¢ lower.

Cattle futures extended gains Wednesday with help from higher cash fed cattle prices, albeit in limited trade.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 53¢ higher.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 61¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in Kansas through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $1 higher at $174/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on light demand. FOB live prices last week were $173.50/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $173 in Nebraska and $175 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $273-$274.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.16 lower Wednesday afternoon at $299.50/cwt. Select was $1.14 lower at $287.24/cwt.

Corn futures closed 4¢ to 5¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 8¢ to 9¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed mostly 1¢ higher after Sep ’24.

Cattle futures bounced higher Tuesday with support from stronger wholesale beef values. Feeder Cattle were also buoyed by hefty cash trade.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.87 higher ($1.47 to $2.37 higher).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 63¢ higher.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.99 higher Tuesday afternoon at 301.66/cwt., the highest level since the first part of November. Select was $1.80 higher at $288.38/cwt.

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

FOB live prices last week were $173.50/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle, $173 in Kansas $173 in Nebraska and $175 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $273-$274.

Soybean futures closed mostly 8¢ to 15¢ higher through Sep ’25 and then 6¢ higher with chatter about softer South American production.

Corn futures closed fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 4¢ to 5¢ higher.

Cattle futures faded early pressure to close narrowly mixed Monday. Despite the neutral Cattle on Feed report, reasons for skittishness included anemic cash fed cattle trade at static prices.

Feeder Cattle futures closed from an average of 44¢ lower in the front three contracts to an average of 24¢ higher.

Live Cattle futures closed from an average of 27¢ lower in the front five contracts to an average of 31¢ higher.

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

FOB live prices last week were $1.50 higher in the Texas Panhandle at $173.50/cwt., $1 higher in Kansas at $173, and steady in the North at $173 in Nebraska and $175 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were unevenly steady in the Nebraska at $273-$274 and $1-$2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $273-$274.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was 29¢ higher at $173.76/cwt. The weighted average dressed delivered steers price was 19¢ higher at $273.89.

Choice boxed beef cutout value (p.m.): $3.17 higher at 298.67/cwt. Select was $3.53 higher at $286.58/cwt.

Soybean futures closed mostly 6¢ to 7¢ higher.

Corn futures closed fractionally higher to 1¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly fractionally higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade on Friday ranged from a standstill in the Southern Plains to slow on light demand in the North, but with too few transactions to trend, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. The previous week, FOB live prices were $172/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $173 in Nebraska and $175 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $272-$275 in Nebraska and $275 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 79¢ lower Friday afternoon at 295.50/cwt. Select was 71¢ lower at $283.05/cwt. Week to week, Choice was up $6.24 and Select was $11.20 higher.

Cattle futures mainly paddled in place Friday ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report (see below) and awaiting the week’s cash fed cattle direction.

Feeder Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 35¢ lower in the front five contracts to an average of 24¢ higher. They were an average of $4.06 higher week to week.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 24¢ lower to an average of 14¢ higher. Week to week, they were up an average of $2.48.

Corn futures closed narrowly mixed, from 1¢ lower to 1¢ higher.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 2¢ to 4¢ higher.

Soybean futures closed fractionally lower to 1¢ lower through Mar ’25 and then mostly fractionally higher.

Cattle futures stretched higher Thursday, led by Feeder Cattle. Recently higher wholesale beef prices and growing prospects of steady to higher cash fed cattle prices this week added support. There was also likely some positioning ahead of the monthly Cattle on Feed report scheduled for release Friday. Analyst estimates ahead of the report peg December placements about 4% lower year over year, December marketings about 0.5% less and the Jan. 1 feedlot inventory about 2% higher.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.21 higher ($1.65 to $2.77 higher).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.41 higher (1.00 to $2.02 higher).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light demand to a standstill through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, FOB live prices were $172/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $173 in Nebraska and $175 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $272-$275 in Nebraska and $275 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.16 lower Thursday afternoon at 296.29/cwt. Select was 74¢ higher at $283.76/cwt.

Grain and Soybean futures firmed on apparently oversold conditions and positive outside markets.

Soybean futures closed 1¢ to 7¢ higher through Mar ’25 and then 1¢ to 5¢ lower.

Corn futures closed mostly 1¢ higher through Jly ’25 and then mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 7¢ to 9¢ higher.

Cattle futures faded early pressure to close mostly higher Wednesday with help from resurgent wholesale beef values.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 83¢ higher.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 45¢ higher, except for 2¢ lower in spot Feb.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from inactive on light demand to a standstill through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, FOB live prices were $172/cwt. in the Southern Plains, $173 in Nebraska and $175 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $272-$275 in Nebraska and $275 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.46 higher through Wednesday afternoon at 298.45/cwt. Select was $3.04 higher at $283.02/cwt.

Soybean futures closed mostly 11¢ to 21¢ lower on weak economic news in China.

Corn futures closed mostly fractionally lower to 2¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 5¢ to 7¢ lower.

Cattle futures strengthened Tuesday, helped along by recently higher wholesale beef values and likely lower fed cattle carcass weights in the near term due to the severe winter weather.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.16 higher.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 74¢ higher (22¢ higher at the back to $1.75 higher in spot Feb).

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was at a standstill through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, FOB live prices were $172/cwt. in the Southern, Plains $173 in Nebraska and $175 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $272-$275 in Nebraska and $275 in the western Corn Belt.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.57 higher Tuesday afternoon at 294.99/cwt. Select was $7.42 higher at $279.98/cwt.

The higher dollar helped pressure Wheat futures, leading Corn futures along.

The higher U.S. dollar helped pressure Wheat futures, pulling Corn along.

Corn futures closed mostly 3¢ to 4¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 10¢ to 14¢ lower.

Lower South American production estimates helped support Soybean futures. They closed 1¢ to 3¢ higher through near Aug and then mostly 1¢ to 2¢ lower.

Futures and equity markets were closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Negotiated cash fed cattle prices were at a standstill through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, they wobbled on either side of steady. FOB live prices were steady to $1 lower in the Southern Plains at $172/cwt., steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at $173. and steady in the western Corn Belt at $175. Dressed delivered prices were 50¢ to $2 lower in Nebraska at $272-$275 and steady to $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at $275 on a light test.

Last week’s weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was 54¢ lower at $173.47. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $1.08 lower at $273.70.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.16 higher Monday afternoon at 291.42/cwt. Select was 71¢ higher at $272.56/cwt.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 49¢ higher Friday, helped by falling Corn futures, which were pressured by the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (see below). Week to week on Friday, Feeder Cattle closed an average of $3.25 higher.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 26¢ lower, except for unchanged and 22¢ higher in the back two contracts. Week to week on Friday, they were an average of 61¢ higher (2¢ to $1.07 higher), except for unchanged and 37¢ lower in two away contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from mostly inactive on light demand to slow on light demand through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few to trend, there were a few FOB live trades in the Southern Plains at $172/cwt. Established prices the previous week were $172-$173.

Established FOB live prices last week were steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at $173 and steady in the western Corn Belt at $174. Dressed delivered prices were 50¢ to $2 lower in Nebraska at $272-$275 and steady to $1 higher in the western Corn Belt at $275 on a light test.

Through Thursday, the weighted average five-area direct FOB live steer price was 33¢ lower at $174.32. The weighted average dressed delivered fed steer price was $1.11 lower at $273.63.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.37 higher Friday afternoon at 289.26/cwt. Select was $1.91 higher at $271.85/cwt. Week to week, Choice was $12.10 higher and Select was $12.32 higher.

Corn and Soybean futures fell Friday in response to higher than expected yield and production estimates in the monthly WASDE. Kansas City Wheat futures followed along, despite a reduction in expected planted area.

Corn futures closed mostly 7¢ to 10¢ lower through Jly ’25 and then mostly 4¢ to 5¢ lower. Week to week on Friday, Corn futures an average of 13’3¢ lower through the front six contracts.

Soybean futures closed 11¢ to 25¢ lower through Aug ’24 and then mostly 2¢ to 5¢ lower.

KC HRW Wheat futures closed mostly 1¢ to 3¢ lower through May ’25 and then unchanged.