Live cattle futures settled the Tuesday session with contracts steady to 50 cents lower in most contracts. Cash trade has yet to kick off this week. Last week’s action was reported at $200-201 in the South and sales of $202 and a few up to $205 in the North. Feeder cattle futures posted slight 15 to 30 cent gains on Tuesday, with nearby January chasing cash, up $2.25.. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back up $1.01 from the day prior at $278.31 on January 13. The Weekly OKC feeder cattle auction showed 7,909 head sold, above the previous week. Sales were reported at $6-12 higher for feeder steers and calves, with feeder heifers up $4-8 and 10-13 higher for calves.

USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were mixed in the Tuesday PM report, with the Chc/Sel spread narrowing to $14.27. Choice boxes were down 37 cents at $332.98/cwt, with Select $1.14 higher @ $318.71. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter for Tuesday at 125,000 head, taking the weekly total to 242,000 head. That is 7,000 above last week and up 25,644 head from the same week last year.

Feb 25 Live Cattle  closed at $197.400, unch,

Apr 25 Live Cattle  closed at $198.150, down $0.050,

Jun 25 Live Cattle  closed at $192.200, down $0.325,

Jan 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $274.100, up $2.250,

Mar 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $268.200, up $0.300,

Apr 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $268.550, up $0.225,