Cattle Current Market Update with Wes Ishmael

Cattle futures were lower Tuesday with likely profit taking from the recent gains.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.70 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.43 lower.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were steady to $6 higher in Nebraska at mostly $223-$224/cwt. and $3-$4 higher in the western Corn Belt at mostly $222-$223. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $5 higher at mainly $350.

Choice boxed beef cutout...

Cattle futures ended Friday and the week higher, supported by the step higher in negotiated cash fed cattle prices and lower grain futures.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.33 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $4.56 higher. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $6.35 higher, and Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $12.13 higher.

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

For the week, FOB live prices were $1-$6 higher in Nebraska...

Cattle futures strengthened on Thursday, supported by stronger cash feeder cattle prices and thoughts that negotiated cash fed cattle prices could follow suit.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 84¢ higher, except for unchanged in two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.74 higher.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $218-$223/cwt. in Nebraska a...

Cattle futures mainly held or extended gains on Wednesday, in the face of another day of bearishness in outside markets.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 51¢ lower, except for an average of 12¢ higher in two contracts. They were an average of $3.46 higher Wednesday.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.15 higher, except for an average of $1.00 lower in the back contract. They were an average of $4.85 higher on Wednesday.

Negotiated cash fed cattle was mostly inactive on light demand in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt through Wednesday afternoon, ac...

Cattle futures closed mixed Friday on caution ahead of the three-day weekend.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 99¢ lower, except for an average of 11¢ higher in the back three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 60¢ higher, except for an average of 85¢ lower in the front three contracts.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of 64¢ higher, from 7¢ higher toward the back to $1.22 higher in spot Oct. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.84 higher week to week on Friday.

Negotiated cash fed cattle was limite...

Cattle futures finally bounced higher Thursday, supported by oversold conditions and some renewed strength in cash prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $3.32 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $6.50 higher.  

Negotiated cash fed cattle was light on light demand in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. So far this week, FOB live prices are $218/cwt. and dressed delivered prices are $345. There is no established trade in the Southern Plains.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $1.88 lower Thursday afternoon a...

Cattle futures continued trying to carve a bottom Wednesday, with pressure including steady to lower cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.38 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 38¢ lower to an average of 67¢ higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska to light on light to moderate demand in the western Corn Belt through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. So far this week, FOB live prices are steady to $4 lower at $218/cwt. Dressed delivered pr...

Cattle futures were lower Tuesday amid struggling cash fed cattle prices and higher feed costs.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.14 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.42 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand in the North through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, FOB live prices were $218-$222/cwt. and dressed delivered prices were mostly $345. There was no established trade in the Southern Plains.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.93 higher Tuesday afternoon at $379.75/cwt. Select was $1.96...

Cattle futures overcame more government intervention in the cattle business (see below) on Monday to eke out gains with oversold conditions.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 73¢ higher.  Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 25¢ higher except for an average of $1.07 lower in the back two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand in the North through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Last week, FOB live prices were $218-$222/cwt., which was $4-$7 lower in Nebraska and $3-$7 lower in the western Corn Bel...

Cattle futures were unable to build on recent gains Friday, bogged down by more political rhetoric.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 92¢ lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.68 lower.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.88 lower, except for an average of 60¢ higher in the back two contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.54 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on light demand in the North through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. For the week, FOB live prices were $4-$...

Cattle futures continued higher Thursday, boosting hopes that the bottom had been etched.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.79 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.42 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand in the North through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. So far this week, FOB live prices are $218-$22o/cwt., which is $7-$8 lower than last week. Dressed delivered prices are mostly $345, which is $10-$11 lower.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $3.77 lower Thursday afternoon at $381.36/cwt...

Cattle futures firmed and mostly gained Wednesday, supported by oversold conditions. 

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 46¢ higher, except for an average of 42¢ lower in two contracts. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.11 higher, except for an average of 94¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on moderate demand in the North through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were mostly $22o/cwt., which was $2 higher than a day earlier, but $7-$8 lower than last week. Dressed delivered prices so f...

Cattle futures continued to unravel Tuesday with follow-through pressure and another significant step lower in negotiated cash fed cattle prices. 

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.76 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.73 lower, except for 22¢ higher in spot Aug.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska through Tuesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $7-$8 lower at $218/cwt. and dressed delivered trades were $10-$11 lower at $345.

Trade was light on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt, wh...

Cattle futures opened higher Monday, supported by the lower July feedlot placements in Friday’s Cattle on Feed report but then turned negative with pressure including last week’s lower negotiated cash fed cattle prices and negative psychology surrounding Monday’s re-opening of the port of entry in Douglas, Ariz., to feeder cattle imports from Mexico. 

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $3.04 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.05 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was mostly inactive on light demand in the North through Monday afternoon, according to the Agricul...

Cattle futures were able to fade early pressure from President Trump’s announcement to waive tariffs for 90 days on imported beef products for ground beef (see below). 

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 78¢ higher, except for an average of 19¢ lower in the front two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.27 higher, except for 55¢ lower in spot Aug.

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

Based on the last established trade for the we...

Cattle futures lost ground Wednesday with pressure including lower early negotiated cash fed cattle prices and surging corn prices.  

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.13 lower, except for 5¢ higher and unchanged at the back.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.64 lower.

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

Although too few transactions to trend, there were some early dressed trades in Nebraska at $355-$360/cwt. Also, too few to trend, there we...

Cattle futures were mostly higher Tuesday supported by stronger early-week wholesale beef values and perhaps some lift on news that Cargill’s packing facility at Ft. Morgan, Colo., will resume operations.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of 72¢ higher.  Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 80¢ higher, except for 27¢ lower in the front contract.

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

Although too few transa...

Cattle futures tried to firm Monday after last week’s bearish news but were mostly slightly lower.

Live Cattle futures were an average of 13¢ lower, except for an average of 48¢ higher in two nearby contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were mixed from an average of 74¢ lower to an average of 34¢ higher. Cattle futures were mixed through mid-morning today.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was inactive on light demand in the North through Monday afternoon.

Last week, FOB live prices were $7 lower in Kansas at $228/cwt., $5-$10 lower in Nebraska at $225-$230 and $5-$7 lo...

Cattle futures continued lower Friday but closed off session lows. Pressure included lower negotiated cash fed cattle prices for the week and response to Tyson’s Thursday announcement that the company was ending operation of its beef packing facility in Joslin, Ill., its case ready facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah and seeking a buyer for its packing facility in Pasco, Wash.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.24 lower. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $3.11 lower. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures were an average of $4.96 lower, and Feeder Cattle futures were down an av...

Cattle futures were lower again, pressured by weaker early cash fed cattle prices and perhaps prescience about news from Tyson later in the day that it was shuttering its packing facility in Joslin, Ill., ending production at its case ready facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah and seeking a buyer for its packing facility in Pasco, Wash. (see below).

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.58 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.68 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate to good demand in Nebraska through Thursday afternoon, according...

Cattle futures stepped lower Wednesday, pressured in part the continued decline in open interest.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.48 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.93 lower.

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

There were some early dressed delivered trades in Nebraska mostly $2 lower at mainly $368/cwt. Last week, FOB live prices were $235.

Elsewhere last week, FOB live prices were $235 and...

Cattle futures lost some steam Tuesday but were mostly higher.

Live Cattle futures were narrowly mixed, from an average of 41¢ lower in the front four contracts to an average of 38¢ higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of 64¢ higher, except for 78¢ lower in the front contract.

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

FOB live prices last week were mostly $235/cwt. Dressed delivered prices were mostly $370.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 6¢ lower Tuesday afternoon at $371.31/cwt...

Cattle futures were mainly higher Friday, helped along by last week’s stronger negotiated cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures an average of $1.23 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.09 higher, except for an average of 98¢ lower in the front two contracts.

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

FOB live prices last week were mostly $235/cwt., which was $2 higher in Kansas, $2-$3 higher in Nebraska and mostly steady to $3 higher in the western Corn Belt. Dre...

Cattle futures closed mainly higher Friday, helped along by the week’s stronger negotiated cash fed cattle prices and wholesale beef values.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of 64¢ higher (17¢ to $1.40 higher), except for an average of 15¢ lower in two contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.89 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.45 lower, except for an average of 26¢ higher in the back two contracts. During the same period, Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.03 lower, except for an average of $2.54 higher in the front...

Cattle futures closed lower Thursday, pressured by technical resistance and more negative outside markets, despite stronger cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures an average of $3.45 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $6.39 lower.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in Kansas to limited on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the agricultural Marketing Service.

So far this week, FOB live prices are $2 higher in Kansas at $235/cwt, $2-$3 higher in Nebraska at $235 and steady to $3 higher in...

Cattle futures ground higher Wednesday, supported by renewed cash market strength.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures an average of $1.19 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.09 higher, except for 53¢ lower in the back contract.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $233/cwt. in Kansas, $232-$233 in Nebraska and $232-$235 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $360-$365 in Nebraska on a light test and $360-$367 in the western Corn Belt o...

Cattle futures were mostly higher Tuesday, helped along by recently stronger  Choice wholesale beef values and bullish outside markets.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures an average of $1.22 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.04 higher (5¢ to $3.40 higher), except for an average of 65¢ lower in the back two contracts.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $233/cwt. in Kansas, $232-$233 in Nebraska and $232-$235 in the western Corn Belt. Dressed delivered prices were $360-$3...

Cattle futures edged lower Monday after starting the session stronger, pressured in part by Corn futures gains and last week’s limited negotiated cash fed cattle trade.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures an average of 28¢ lower, except for an average of 41¢ higher in three contracts.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.60 lower, except for 28¢ higher in the front contract.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $2-$3 higher in Kansas at $2...

Cattle futures continued trying to recover from the early-week selloff on Friday.

Live Cattle futures closed narrowly mixed, from an average of 15¢ lower to an average of 39¢ higher, mostly through the front half of the board.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $1.23 higher.

Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed mixed, from an average of $3.90 higher across the front half of the board to an average of $2.26 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.13 lower, except for an average of $2.51 higher in the front two contracts.

Negotiated ca...

Cattle futures on Thursday continued to retrace higher from the early-week meltdown, with odds increasing for steady to higher negotiated cash fed cattle prices this week.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.58 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $4.45 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light to moderate demand in the western Corn Belt through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few transactions to trend, there were some early FOB live trades at $232-$233/cwt. Prices there last week were mostly $230 with dressed...

Cattle futures gained traction on Wednesday, as traders move past recent bearish news.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $1.71 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.18 higher.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $230-$231/cwt. in Kansas and mostly $230 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $365.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.43 lower Wednesday afternoon at $363.43. Select was $1.11 lower at $342.41.

...

Live Cattle futures were up and Feeder Cattle futures were mixed Tuesday, following the previous session’s steep decline, tied to USDA’s plans to open the U.S. border to Mexican feeder cattle imports.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.29 higher.

Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $3.55 lower, except for an average of $3.51 higher in the front three contracts.

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

Last week, FOB...

Cattle futures were down hard on Monday, in reaction to USDA’s plans to open the U.S. border to Mexican feeder cattle imports.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $6.26 lower.

Feeder Cattle futures were mostly limit-down, an average of $10.38 lower across the board.

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

Last week, FOB live prices were $7 lower in Kansas at $230-231/cwt. FOB live prices were mostly $230 in the No...

Cattle futures extended gains Friday, clawing back some of the previous weeks’ steep losses with hopes the near bottom has been established. As this week begins, traders will be considering the monthly Cattle on Feed and semi-annul Cattle inventory reports published after markets closed on Friday, as well as the announced phased reopening of the U.S. border to Mexican feeder cattle imports (see below).

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $1.07 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $1.97 higher. Week to week on Friday, Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.12 higher, and Feeder Cattle fu...

Cattle futures were sharply lower Wednesday with pressure from lower cash fed cattle prices and wholesale beef values as traders eyed the monthly Cattle on Feed and semi-annul Cattle reports due to be published on Friday.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $3.47 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $8.68 lower.

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

Early dressed sales in Nebraska were $15 lower at $365/cwt. Although too few transactions to...

Cattle futures finally found some footing Monday after about two weeks of consecutive down days, helped along by firming wholesale beef values and oversold conditions.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.59 higher. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $6.28 higher.

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

FOB live prices last week were mainly $10-$11 lower in Kansas at mostly $237-$238/cwt., $8 lower in Nebraska at $240 and mostly $8-$13 lower in the western Corn Belt at...

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light to moderate demand in Kansas through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Although too few transactions to trend, there were some FOB live trades at $235/cwt. Established trade for the week was $10-$11 lower at $237-$238.

Trade was limited on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt. Although too few transactions to trend, there were some FOB live trades at $230-$235 and some dressed delivered trades at $365-$370. Established FOB live prices for the week were $8-$15 lower at $233-$240. Dressed delivered prices in the western...

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 $10-$11 lower at $237-$238/cwt.

Trade in the North ranged from limited on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt to inactive on light to moderate demand in Nebraska, with too few transactions to trend. So far this week, FOB live prices are mostly $8 lower at mainly $240 and dressed delivered prices in Nebraska are $10-$13 lower at mostly $380. Dressed delivered prices in the western Corn Belt last week were $393.

Choice...

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in Nebraska through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Early FBO live trades were mostly $8 lower at mainly $240/cwt. Dressed delivered sales so far this week are $10-$13 lower at mostly $380.

Trade was limited on moderate demand in the western Corn Belt. Although too few transactions to trend, there were some early FOB live trades at $238-$240 and some in the beef at $375. Last week, FOB live trades were $248 and dressed delivered prices were mostly $393.

Trade was mostly inactive on light demand in...

Cattle futures continued to unwind Tuesday with sharply lower Choice wholesale beef values so far this week and last week’s drop in negotiated cash fed cattle prices.

Toward the close, Live Cattle futures were an average of $2.47 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $5.59 lower.

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

Although too few transactions to trend, there were some early dressed delivered trades in Nebraska at...