At the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, live and feeder cattle futures have been on an upward trajectory. December live cattle closed $1.10 higher at $188, indicating a positive trend in the market. February live cattle also showed an increase of $.90, closing at $188.60. This upward movement is supported by the higher cash business during the session. January feeder cattle closed $.67 higher at $258.77, and March feeder cattle closed $.82 higher at $257.30. These figures highlight the activity and potential in the cattle futures market.
The direct cash cattle trade on Wednesday started at significantly higher prices. Live deals in the South were marked at $190, which is $3 to $4 higher than the previous week's business. Dressed deals in the North were marked at $295, $5 higher than the prior week's weighted average basis in Nebraska. These marked prices are for delayed delivery, adding an element of anticipation to the market. The development of the rest of the week's business is expected to unfold on Friday, keeping market participants on their toes.
The cash cattle trade on Wednesday began with higher prices across the board. Live deals in the South were marked at $190, showing a significant increase from the previous week. Dressed deals in the North were also marked at $295, $5 higher than the prior week's weighted average basis in Nebraska. These marked prices for delayed delivery indicate the strength in the cash cattle market.
The USDA reports that demand was very good on a moderate supply. Receipts were down on the week and the year, suggesting a balanced market. The feeder supply included 55% steers and 54% of the offering was over 600 pounds. Medium and Large 1 feeder steers 600 to 631 pounds brought $270 to $298, and feeder steers 766 pounds brought $267.25. Medium and Large 1 feeder 503 to 546 pounds brought $267.50 to $286, and feeder heifers 609 to 629 pounds brought $252.50 to $262.50. These details provide valuable insights into the feeder cattle market and the supply and demand dynamics.
Boxed beef closed lower on light demand for heavy offerings. Choice was $.31 lower at $311.26, and Select closed $1.19 lower at $274.30. The Choice/Select spread is $36.96. Estimated cattle slaughter was 124,000 head, down 3,000 on the week and down about 2,000 on the year. These figures reflect the changing dynamics in the beef market and the impact on cattle slaughter.
The lower demand for heavy offerings in the boxed beef market has led to a decrease in prices. The Choice and Select spreads also show the relative performance of different beef cuts. The estimated cattle slaughter figures provide an indication of the overall supply and demand situation in the cattle market. These details are crucial for market participants to understand the trends and make informed decisions.
Lean hog futures ended the day mostly higher on spread trade. December lean hogs closed $.70 lower at $82.40, and February lean hogs closed $.35 lower at $87.92. The cash hog market closed lower with a moderate negotiated run. Processors moved a decent number without having to get aggressive in their procurement efforts.
Despite the lower closing prices for lean hog futures, the cash hog market showed some stability. Demand for U.S. pork on the global market has been strong, providing some price support. However, the industry continues to monitor the domestic demand market. Hog weights are up more than a pound on the week but are down more than a pound on the year.
At Illinois, slaughter sow prices were $1 lower with moderate demand for light offerings at $43 to $55. Barrows and gilts were steady with moderate demand for moderate offerings at $48 to $58. Boars ranged from $20 to $30 and $15 to $25. These regional price differences highlight the complexity of the hog market and the impact of local demand and supply factors.
Pork values closed lower, down $2.21 at $88.94. Bellies, hams, and ribs were all sharply lower, while picnics, butts, and loins were higher. Estimated hog slaughter was 488,000 head, even on the week and up about 5,000 on the year. These price and slaughter figures provide a comprehensive view of the pork market and the factors influencing it.
The lower pork values indicate a challenging market environment for pork producers. However, the estimated hog slaughter figures suggest a relatively stable supply situation. The differences in the performance of different pork cuts also provide insights into consumer preferences and market trends.