Beef and pork were considerably more expensive at the end of 2024 than at the end of 2023. Live cattle posted an over 12% gain, while the feeders were up over 17%. Lean hog futures moved around 20% higher for the year. Over the year’s final three months that ended on December 31, the hog futures edged lower, while cattle futures continued their upward price momentum. As the meat markets head into 2025, the trends remain mostly bullish.
Cattle futures posted gains in Q4 and 2024
