Live cattle futures ended the session 20 to 45 cents in the black on Tuesday. Prior to closing in the black, however, the April and June added a 3rd consecutive lower low from the Feb 16 high. During the same 10 trading day move, there have been 6 lower lows for a net swing of $2.07. Cash cattle sales have yet to surface through Tuesday. Feeder cattle rallied back from the triple digit midday losses, but still closed 32 to 67 cents weaker. The 2/25 CME Feeder Cattle Index was $138.91, down from $139.48.

Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were lower again this afternoon, tightening the Chc/Sel spread to $8.51. That is still the second highest for this date, going back to 2002. Choice boxes fell $4.35 cwt. to $234.68 and Select boxes were down $1.47. USDA estimates Tuesday’s FI cattle slaughter at 123k head. WTD slaughter is up from 241k LW but down from 247k head LY.

--- provided by Brugler Marketing & Management

Live Cattle Prices by Barchart

Feeder Cattle Prices by Barchart