Live cattle futures posted gains of $1.67 to $1.95 at the Monday close. Cash trade on Friday saw KS at $230-231 and $240-242 northern action. Feeder cattle futures were up $3.50 to $3.70 on te session. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back up $3.52 to $325.80 on July 18. Monday’s OKC feeder cattle online auction showed 4,500 head sold, with prices listed $4-8 higher. Feeder heifers were listed steady to $3 lower, with calves up $5-10.
USDA Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were mixed in the Monday PM report. Choice boxes were quoted $1.48 lower at $372.07, while Select was down $1.44 at $350.05. USDA estimated cattle slaughter for Monday at 105,000 head. That was down 7,000 head from last week and 8,887 head lower vs. the same week in 2024.
