Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle futures turned higher on Tuesday on technical trading and as wholesale prices indicated that consumers demand for select cuts remained firm, traders said.
Thin volumes characterized action market activity last week, which resulted in a wide range of prices for feeders of similar weight. There were some larger packages trading via video for August and September delivery. There has also been some private fob ranch negotiations as feedlots secure upcoming volume.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) feeder cattle futures ticked higher on Monday and live cattle futures ended mostly lower, as the market struggled to find clear direction, traders said.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) lean hog futures turned higher on Thursday on a spate of bargain-buying, after the most-active August contract LHQ24 set a new low during the session, traders said.
CME live and feeder cattle futures turned lower on Tuesday as cutout values fell and consumer demand waned following the end of major steak-eating holidays, traders said.
For the week ending July 2, Western Canadian yearling prices were steady to $5 higher compared to seven days earlier for larger packages. Small groups of 800-pound-plus cattle were $10 to $15 discounted to pen-sized lots. Calf markets were relatively unchanged from the prior week, although volume was limited. There is significant open demand for yearlings and finishing feedlot operators are watching how prices develop.
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures turned lower on Monday, shedding a post-holiday rally on demand concerns and news that beef-loving Argentines are cutting back on buying steaks as the country's economy slumps.
Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) are receiving up to $5,865,110 and $453,364 respectively for marketing activities such as advertising, trade missions, technical training and educational seminars.