Cattle Retreating on Thursday

Live cattle futures are down $1.20 to $1.90 so far at midday. Cash trade has started this week with very light action at $201 in the South reported, with sales of $205 on NE. The Thursday morning Central Stockyards Fed Cattle Exchange online auction showed sales on two lots at $201. Feeder cattle futures are down $1.92 to $2.325 as the market trade through midday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back down 27 from the day prior at $278.04 on January 14. 

Weekly Export Sales data showed a total of 9,732 MT of beef sold for 2025 delivery in the week of January 9. Japan was the largest buyer of 3,600 MT, with 3,500 MT to China. Export shipments totaled 14,640 MT in that week, a 3-week high. The top destination was Japan at 3,800 MT, with 3,600 T to South Korea.

USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were mixed in the Thursday AM report, with the Chc/Sel spread tightening to $14.10. Choice boxes were down 95 cents at $333.19/cwt, with Select $1.05 higher @ $319.09. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter for Wednesday at 124,000 head, taking the weekly total to 366,000 head. That is 9,000 head above last week and up 32,738 head from the same week last year.

Feb 25 Live Cattle  are at $196.625, down $1.900,

Apr 25 Live Cattle  are at $197.675, down $1.650,

Jun 25 Live Cattle  are at $192.200, down $1.250,

Jan 25 Feeder Cattle  are at $273.300, down $1.925

Mar 25 Feeder Cattle  are at $267.475, down $2.325

Apr 25 Feeder Cattle  are at $267.925, down $2.200