Live cattle futures posted strength on Monday, with contracts rallying $1.47 to $2.27. Cash trade for Monday was mostly compiling showlists. Last week’s business was limited, as some cattle exchanged hands at $208 in the north, with $204 reported in the South. 

Feeder cattle futures were 2.25 to $2.90 higher on the Monday session. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back up $1.03 on April 11, with the average price at $287.16. The weekly OKC feeder cattle auction had 3,693 head for sale, with feeder steers over 800 lbs and steer calves up $4-10 and below 800 lbs $20-25 higher. Heifers were up $10-20, with heifer calves $20-30 higher.  

USDA’s National Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were stronger on Monday afternoon, as the Chc/Sel narrowed to $19.78. Choice boxes were $1.41 higher to $335.63/cwt, with Select up $1.89 to $315.85. Monday’s Federally inspected cattle slaughter was estimated at 112,000 head. That was 8,000 head above the previous Monday and down 7,791 head from the same Monday last year.

Apr 25 Live Cattle  closed at $203.950, up $1.475,

Jun 25 Live Cattle  closed at $199.075, up $2.275,

Aug 25 Live Cattle  closed at $195.825, up $1.975,

Apr 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $288.050, up $2.875,

May 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $280.950, up $2.250,

Aug 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $286.150, up $2.475,