Cash cattle prices rallied higher for the fifth consecutive week. Cattle in the North traded at $192 live and $302 to $304 per cwt. dressed, $2 higher live and $2 to $4 higher dressed compared to the previous week. Trade in the South was called moderate at $187 live, $1 higher than the previous week.
Feeder cattle sold steady to $4 higher, and calves sold $1 lower to $4 higher. Market cows sold steady to $6 higher.
Wholesale beef prices closed the week mixed. Choice boxed beef closed Friday at $310.45 per cwt., down $3 from the previous week. Select boxed beef closed Friday at $301.72 per cwt., up $4.32 from the previous week.
At the CME, June live cattle futures rose 17 1/2 cents to $183.70 and near mid-range. For the week, June cattle rose $2.65. August feeder cattle futures lost $1.225 at $260.225 and nearer the session low. On the week, August feeders rose 37 1/2 cents.
Cattle on Feed
USDA reported monthly cattle on feed data Friday, with the total at 11.6 million head on feed for the slaughter market for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head. The inventory was 1 percent below May 1, 2023.
Placements in feedlots during April totaled 1.66 million head, 6 percent below 2023. Net placements were 1.60 million head.
Marketings of fed cattle during April totaled 1.87 million head, 10 percent above 2023.
