Chicago live cattle and feeder contracts rose on Thursday as the USDA’s cattle on feed report showed cattle inventory down two per cent compared to one year ago.
Most active June live cattle closed at 204.075 cents per pound, up 2.000 cents. August live cattle futures closed at 200.125 cents, up 1.175 cents per pound.
Most active May feeder cattle closed at 286.850 cents a pound for a gain of 2.450 cents. August feeders settled at 290.875 cents, up 1.425 cents a pound.
The USDA reported choice boxed beef at $332.90 per cwt, down $0.63. Select boxed beef gained $2.00 per cwt to end the day at $316.39.
Read Also
Alberta crop conditions improve: report
Varied precipitation and warm temperatures were generally beneficial for crop development across Alberta during the week ended July 8, according to the latest provincial crop report released July 11.
Cattle and calves on feed for the U.S. slaughter market totaled 11.6 million head on April 1. This was two per cent below April 1, 2024. Analysts polled by Reuters had predicted a year-over-year decline of 1.8 per cent.
Placements in feedlots in March totaled 1.84 million head, five per cent above 2024.
Most active lean hog futures settled at 98.025 cents per pound, up 0.075 cents. July lean hogs closed at 98.100 cents, up 0.200 cents per pound.
Pork carcass cutout value gained $0.74 per cwt to settle at $92.78.
—Prices reported in U.S. dollars
