Live cattle futures are up $1.35 to $1.55. Cash trade settled in at $234-236 live last week, with some $372 dressed. Feeder cattle futures are rallying $3.55 to 4.70 at midday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was down another $1.30 to $357.05 on March 13. The Monday OKC Feeder cattle auction saw sales on 4,305 head sold, with sales 10-15 higher on feeders and calves up $10-20 for steers and $5-15 for heifers.
Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher in the Tuesday morning report, with the Chc/Sel spread at $4.74. Choice boxes were up $1.08 to $403.74, while Select was $4.49 higher to $399.00. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter for Monday at 98,000 head. That is down 5,000 from the previous week and 16,452 head shy of the same Monday last year.
Apr 26 Live Cattle are at $234.775, up $1.525,
Jun 26 Live Cattle are at $233.325, up $1.450,
Aug 26 Live Cattle are at $231.050, up $1.375,
Mar 26 Feeder Cattle are at $359.000, up $3.550
Apr 26 Feeder Cattle are at $354.300, up $4.450
May 26 Feeder Cattle are at $350.250, up $4.700
