Cash fed cattle prices are called steady to $1 higher for the week. The North traded at $186 to $187 live and $295 dressed, steady to $1 firmer for both compared to last week. A moderate trade in the South at mainly $184 with a few at $185, steady with the previous week.
Feeder cattle sold $5 lower to $1 higher and calves sold mostly $5 lower to $1 higher. Market cows traded $2 lower to $4 higher.
Wholesale beef prices finished the week mixed. Choice closed Friday at $294.57 per cwt., up 37 cents for the week. Select boxed beef closed Friday at $284.17 per cwt., down $3.48 for the week.
June live cattle futures rose 20 cents to $176.15 and near mid-range. For the week, June cattle fell 52 1/2 cents. August feeder cattle futures dropped 15 cents to $250.90, near mid-range and on the week down $3.85.
The cattle futures bulls continue to be squelched by H5N1 virus news and worries about consumer reactions. USDA has reported four new incidents of H5N1 in dairy cattle in Michigan and one in Colorado as of May 8. Concerns among lawmakers regarding the government’s response to the outbreak are intensifying. The uncertainty regarding this matter will likely continue to hang over the cattle and beef markets for at least the near term.
