Cattle Futures Rally Ahead of Week's Trading Activity

AirdropHunterWang · 2025-12-31T14:13:55+00:00

Beef exports boosted cattle prices, with significant sales reported. Live and feeder cattle futures rose, reflecting strong international demand. Cash cattle prices softened, while slaughter activity was up. Wholesale beef prices also increased.

AirdropHunterWang

2025-12-31 14:13:55

Abstract generation in progress

Beef export strength provided tailwinds for the cattle complex on Monday’s session. Export sales data revealed compelling movement, with 11,403 MT of beef sold during the week ending December 4th—a significant jump from the prior week. Meanwhile, 11,673 MT shipped during that same period, underscoring sustained international demand.

Price Movement Across the Complex

Live cattle futures demonstrated broad-based strength, advancing 32 cents to $1.07 across the contract spectrum. The pattern suggested active short covering, evidenced by open interest declining 1,113 contracts. December 25 Live Cattle settled at $230.725, up $0.325, while February 26 contracts closed at $231.425, gaining $0.625. April 26 Live Cattle finished at $231.075, up the full $1.075.

Feeder cattle futures outpaced live cattle, with contracts ranging from 90 cents to $1.40 higher. January 26 Feeder Cattle climbed to $346.500, up $0.900. March 26 advanced to $340.500, up $1.100, and April 26 rallied to $339.000, gaining $1.400.

Cash Market and Slaughter Activity

Cash cattle trade softened last week, trading at $228-229 across the nation with dressed cattle quoted at $356-358. USDA federally inspected cattle slaughter came in at 121,000 head for Monday—11,000 head above the previous Monday and 1,604 head larger than the comparable week last year.

Wholesale Beef Pricing

USDA Wholesale Boxed Beef prices moved higher in Monday’s afternoon report. Choice boxes increased $1.24 to $362.87, while Select gained $4.67 to reach $350.69. The Choice/Select spread tightened to $12.18, indicating narrowing price differentials in the wholesale market.

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