Live cattle futures are showing 5 to 35 cent gains in most contracts on Fruday, with August down 15 cents. Cash trade has been quiet this week, with a few lighter sales of $190 in the South. A couple northern sales have been reported at $197-198 live this morning, with $308-310 bids in the beef. Feeder cattle futures are rallying 72 cents to $1.62 on a weaker corn complex. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was up 67 cents at $259.06 on July 24. 

The monthly NASS Cold Storage report reported 410.3 million lb of beef stocks at the end of June. That was 0.11% below the same month in 2023 and a 2.68% decline vs. May 31.

USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher in the Friday AM report. Choice boxes were $2.01 higher at $314.47, with and Select products up $2.99 @ $298.10. The Chc/Sel spread has narrowed to $16.37.  USDA estimated Thursday FI slaughter at 120,000 head, putting the week to date at 480.000. That is 5,000 head above last week and 16,768 head below a year ago. 

Aug 24 Live Cattle  are at $188.750, down $0.150,

Oct 24 Live Cattle  are at $188.650, up $0.050,

Dec 24 Live Cattle  are at $189.275, up $0.375,

Aug 24 Feeder Cattle  are at $259.975, up $1.350

Sep 24 Feeder Cattle  are at $259.525, up $1.625

Oct 24 Feeder Cattle  are at $258.350, up $1.275