Live cattle futures saw losses of 35 to 65 cents in most contracts on Thursday. Feeder cattle futures were down 35 cents to $1.35 on the day. The CME feeder cattle index was down 85 cents on December 5 at $145.53. Wholesale beef prices were mixed on Thursday afternoon, tightening the Ch/Se spread to $14.45. Choice boxes were down 59 cents at $212.36, with the Select cutout value $1.36 higher at $198.22. USDA’s estimated FI cattle slaughter is at 481,000 head WTD, up 5,000 head from last week and 3,000 head larger than a year ago. Little cash trade has been reported so far this week outside of the FCE’s $117.50-118 on Wednesday. Bids were around $112-114 on Thursday.
Dec 18 Cattle closed at $117.950, down $0.350, |
Feb 19 Cattle closed at $121.800, down $0.575, |
Apr 19 Cattle closed at $123.475, down $0.400, |
Jan 19 Feeder Cattle closed at $144.200, down $1.275 |
Mar 19 Feeder Cattle closed at $141.950, down $1.100 |
Apr 19 Feeder Cattle closed at $142.525, down $1.350 |
--provided by Brugler Marketing & Management
