Cattle Firm Higher on Thursday, with Cash Strength

Barchart · 1d ago

Live cattle futures posted gains of 37 to 67 cents at the close on Thursday. Cash trade saw some light $348-350 dressed action in the North so far this week as reported by USDA, with live sales at $219-220. Southern bids were reported at $226. The Thursday Fed Cattle Exchange online auction showed a couple lots sold at $226-227. Feeder cattle futures posted gains of $1.12 to $2.45 to be the leaders. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was 94 cents higher on September 28 to $338.97. 

USDA Export Sales data showed 14,638 MT of beef sold in the week ending on 9/24 for 2026 and sales of 3 MT for 2027. Shipments were 12,628 MT in that week a 6-week high.

Wholesale Boxed Beef prices fell lower in the Thursday PM report, with the Chc/Sel at $23.90. Choice boxes were down $6.00 at $376.79, with Select $7.70 lower to $352.89. USDA estimated Federally inspected cattle slaughter for Thursday at 109,000 head, taking this week’s total to 410,000 head. That was up 21,000 from last week but 52,479 head below the same week last year.

Oct 26 Live Cattle  closed at $219.300, up $0.625,

Dec 26 Live Cattle  closed at $223.175, up $0.475,

Feb 27 Live Cattle  closed at $225.450, up $0.375,

Oct 26 Feeder Cattle  closed at $338.875, up $2.450,

Nov 26 Feeder Cattle  closed at $336.350, up $2.050,

Jan 27 Feeder Cattle  closed at $329.700, up $2.025,


On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.