U.S. livestock: Cattle lower amid broad selling pressure

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Published: April 21, 2025

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Photo: Canada Beef

Cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange were lower on Monday, retreating from early gains as the livestock markets found themselves caught up in the broad weakness triggered by threats from United States President Donald Trump to remove Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.

August feeder cattle futures were down by 1.725 cents per pound at 289.150 cents per pound.

The June live cattle contract lost 0.325 cents per pound at 203.750 cents at the close.

Cattle on feed data released after Thursday’s close showed placements in the U.S. were up five per cent in March compared to the same month a year ago, although cattle on feed inventories in the country as of April 1 at 11.638 million head was down 1.59 per cent on the year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported wholesale boxed beef prices were stronger on Monday, with choice boxes up $2.00 at $333.52 per hundredweight and select boxes up $3.22 at $318.77.

Lean hog prices were steady, with the June contract up 0.025 cents per pound at 98.050 cents.

About The Author

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Phil Franz-Warkentin

Editor - Daily News

Phil Franz-Warkentin grew up on an acreage in southern Manitoba and has reported on agriculture for over 20 years. Based in Winnipeg, his writing has appeared in publications across Canada and internationally. Phil is a trusted voice on the Prairie radio waves providing daily futures market updates. In his spare time, Phil enjoys playing music and making art.

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