Live cattle futures were higher on Monday, with contracts up 82 cents to $1.80 across most months. There were no deliveries issued on first notice day for August live cattle futures. Cash trade picked up last week at $235 live and $370 dressed (North) across the country. It has been quiet so far on Monday. Feeder cattle futures were down 90 cents to $1.55 higher across the board, with the nearbys the weaker. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back down $1.38 on August 6 to $355.98.
NASS Crop Progress data showed the US pasture rating at 25% gd/ex, steady with the week prior. The Brugler500 index was unchanged at 259.
Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were mixed in the Monday afternoon report. Choice boxes were up $7.06 at $371.42 with Select down $1.53 to $350.84. The Chc/Sel spread widened to $20.58. USDA’s Federally inspected cattle slaughter for Monday was estimated at 96,000 head. That is up 6,000 head from the previous Monday but 6,323 head below the same week last year.
Aug 26 Live Cattle closed at $233.275, up $1.575,
Oct 26 Live Cattle closed at $226.900, up $1.625,
Dec 26 Live Cattle closed at $225.950, up $1.800,
Aug 26 Feeder Cattle closed at $350.750, down $0.900,
Sep 26 Feeder Cattle closed at $344.575, down $0.650,
Oct 26 Feeder Cattle closed at $335.875, up $0.950,
