Live cattle futures are facing losses of $2.00 to $2.10 in the front months on Wednesday. Cash trade has yet to see much action this week, with $372 dressed reported as well as a few light sales of $235. The Wednesday Fed Cattle Exchange online auction showed sales of $236.50 using the BidTheGrid method™ on 67 of the 1,790 head offered, with bids of $233-235.50. Feeder cattle futures are falling $4.50 to $6.60 at midday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was down another $0.62 to $365.77 on March 9.
Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher in the Wednesday morning report, with the Chc/Sel spread narrowing to $7.32. Choice boxes were up $1.27 to $395.94, while Select was $1.85 higher to $388.62. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter for Tuesday at 108,000 head, with the week to date total at 211,000 head. That is steady from the previous week but 28,002 head shy of the same week last year.
Apr 26 Live Cattle are at $230.300, down $2.075,
Jun 26 Live Cattle are at $228.125, down $2.075,
Aug 26 Live Cattle are at $226.250, down $2.100,
Mar 26 Feeder Cattle are at $348.850, down $4.500
Apr 26 Feeder Cattle are at $343.400, down $6.275
May 26 Feeder Cattle are at $339.800, down $6.600
