Cattle Declines on Thursday Amid Weaker Cash Prices

Cattle Market Update: Prices Retreat and Key Developments

At the close of trading, live cattle futures experienced declines ranging from $3 to $3.50 across most contracts. Cash market activity began with dressed sales in the North at $383 and live trades between $244 and $245. In the South, bids were reported at $245. The Fed Cattle Exchange online auction on Wednesday morning saw no transactions for the 1,456 head offered, with bids coming in at $244 to $245.50. Feeder cattle futures also ended Thursday lower, dropping between $4.65 and $5.40. The CME Feeder Cattle Index slipped by $1.62 to settle at $373.17 as of February 24.

According to the latest weekly report from APHIS, Tamaulipas recorded eight additional cases of New World Screwworm in the week ending November 25. This brings the total number of active cases in the state to ten, including seven affecting cattle.

Latest Headlines from Barchart

Beef export sales for the week ending February 19 totaled 12,902 metric tons, marking a six-week low. Japan led purchases with 4,500 metric tons, followed by Mexico at 1,900 metric tons. Shipments reached 13,306 metric tons, slightly below the previous week. South Korea was the top destination for shipments at 3,900 metric tons, while Japan received 3,100 metric tons.

Wholesale Boxed Beef prices showed mixed results in Thursday afternoon’s report, with the Choice-Select spread narrowing to $7.10. Choice cuts fell by $1.34 to $377.89, while Select increased by $3.72 to $370.79. The USDA estimated Thursday’s federally inspected cattle slaughter at 103,000 head, bringing the weekly total to 427,000—matching last week’s figure but down 33,333 head compared to the same period last year.

Futures Closing Prices

• Feb 26 Live Cattle: $246.000 (unchanged)
• Apr 26 Live Cattle: $236.900 (down $3.375)
• Jun 26 Live Cattle: $233.400 (down $3.300)
• Mar 26 Feeder Cattle: $361.650 (down $4.650)
• Apr 26 Feeder Cattle: $358.750 (down $5.275)
• May 26 Feeder Cattle: $355.300 (down $5.350)