Live Cattle Futures Maintain Gains Despite Late Session Pullback

Live cattle futures closed Monday’s session with gains ranging from 72 cents to $2.17 across all contracts, although most prices retraced nearly $2 from their intraday peaks. Cash trade activity remained sluggish last week, with prices gradually increasing to a range of $258-260 nationwide. Conversely, feeder cattle futures finished the session lower, sliding between $2.77 and $4.35. As of June 19, the CME Feeder Cattle Index rose by $1.88 to reach $370.56.

According to the latest weekly NASS Crop Progress report, the U.S. pasture rating improved by 1% over the previous week, reaching 33% good/excellent. Additionally, the Brugler500 index climbed 6 points to settle at 286.

Commitment of Traders data indicates that managed money increased its net long position by 15,347 contracts for the week ending June 16, bringing the total to 124,349 contracts in live cattle futures and options. CFTC data further revealed that speculators added 2,203 contracts to their net long position in feeder cattle futures and options, totaling 13,123 contracts as of Tuesday.

Thursday’s USDA Cattle on Feed report highlighted a 9.7% year-over-year decrease in May placements, a sharper decline than the estimated 5.5% drop. Marketings fell 11.77% compared to 2025, totaling 1.551 million head. On-feed inventory as of June 1 stood at 11.682 million head, representing a 2.09% increase over the same period last year.

The Monday PM report for Wholesale Boxed Beef showed upward price movement, with the Choice/Select spread at $20.47. Choice boxes rose $1.69 to $396.06, while Select boxes increased by $3.51 to $375.59. Monday’s estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter was 106,000 head—an increase of 7,000 from the previous Monday, yet 4,758 head fewer than the same Monday last year.

Jun 26 Live Cattle closed at $255.825, up $1.025

Aug 26 Live Cattle closed at $247.350, up $0.725

Oct 26 Live Cattle closed at $241.000, up $1.025

Aug 26 Feeder Cattle closed at $370.425, up $3.825

Sep 26 Feeder Cattle closed at $368.825, up $4.150

Oct 26 Feeder Cattle closed at $366.025, up $4.275

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