Live cattle futures are in rally mode on Thursday, with bulls active across most contracts, up $2.80 to $5.02 Cash trade started this week at $255, with more action at $256 later in the week. The Thursday Fed Cattle Exchange showed sales of $256.50 on 284 of the 1,116 head offered and another $405-$405.50 dressed sales on another 80 head. Feeder cattle futures are buying the fact following the screwworm confirmation late on Wednesday, with contracts up $10.50 to $10.75 at midday hitting the $10.75 limit up during the session in several contracts. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was down another 12 cents on June 1 to $364.14.
Late on Wednesday evening, the USDA confirmed a case of the New World Screwworm in South Texas after testing a suspected case in a 3-week old calf in Zavala county. It’s important to remember there should be no food safety concerns associated with the screwworm.
The weekly Export Sales report showed 5,020 MT of beef sold for 2026 in the week ending on May 28. That was the second lowest for the calendar year. Shipments were pegged at 10,284 MT, which was the lowest for the year.
Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were lower in the Thursday AM report, with the Chc/Sel spread at $11.412. Choice boxes were down $1.97 to $393.89, while Select was $1.95 lower at $382.48. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter for Wednesday at 109,000 head, with the weekly total at 323,000 head. That was down 34,248 head from the same week last year.
Jun 26 Live Cattle are at $249.425, up $2.800,
Aug 26 Live Cattle are at $241.825, up $3.975,
Oct 26 Live Cattle are at $234.025, up $5.025,
Aug 26 Feeder Cattle are at $353.275, up $10.650
Sep 26 Feeder Cattle are at $350.050, up $10.725
Oct 26 Feeder Cattle are at $346.475, up $10.575
