Live cattle futures are trading with $1.25 to $1.75 losses so far on Wednesday There were no sales reported on Wednesday’s Central Stockyard Fed Cattle Exchange, with bids running $188-191. No trade was reported on Monday, with most compiling showlists. There were no deliveries issued against December live cattle on Tuesday. Feeder cattle futures are down 92 cents to $1.50 at midday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back up 81 cents from the day prior at $261.54 on December 16.

USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were again lower in the Wednesday morning report. Choice boxes were down $1.50 to $314.13/cwt, with Select $3.08 lower @ $285.42. USDA estimated Tuesday’s federally inspected cattle slaughter at 123,000 head, taking the week to date total to 241,000 head. That is 2,000 head above the previous week but down 6,465 from the same week last year. 

Dec 24 Live Cattle  are at $191.000, down $1.250,

Feb 25 Live Cattle  are at $188.025, down $1.725,

Apr 25 Live Cattle  are at $190.200, down $1.375,

Jan 25 Feeder Cattle  are at $256.550, down $0.925

Mar 25 Feeder Cattle  are at $256.775, down $1.500

Apr 25 Feeder Cattle  are at $258.175, down $1.200