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DTN Early Word Livestock Comments 04/25 06:10
4/25/2025 - 06:41:00
DTN Early Word Livestock Comments 04/25 06:10 Traders Wait For Cash Cattle Trade Cattle futures drifted during the day but closed moderately higher in all but the June live cattle contract. Very light cash activity was noted in Kansas, but not sufficient to establish direction. Hog futures took a breather after the consistent increase in futures. Robin Schmahl DTN Contributing Analyst Cattle: Steady Futures: Higher Live Equiv: $243.63 +1.25* Hogs: Higher Futures: Mixed Lean Equiv: $101.63 +$1.78** *Based on the formula estimating live cattle equivalent of gross packer revenue. (The Live Cattle Equiv. The index has been updated to depict recent changes in live cattle weights and grading percentages.) ** based on formula estimating lean hog equivalent of gross packer revenue. GENERAL COMMENTS: Cash cattle trade has been pushed off until today as the packers and feedlots have been holding and are waiting to see who will blink first. Some light activity took place in Kansas with heifers trading at $210, but otherwise, it has been quiet. The feedlots may hold due to the strength this week in cattle futures. They may hold cattle over another week if they do not get the prices they want. The packers do not seem to have purchased many cattle ahead. Boxed beef prices indicate demand continues to remain strong. Choice cuts increased $1.73, with select up $1.83. It seems consumers have not yet reached a threshold. Feeder cattle are in strong demand, with higher prices seen at auctions. Feeder cattle futures are near contract highs with both August and September over $290.