Live cattle futures softened midweek as April 2025 closed on Wednesday at $215.75/cwt, down $0.60, while June 2025 dropped to $208.40/cwt, down $1.80. Feeder cattle also trended lower, with May 2025 settling at $292.575/cwt, down $1.45, and August 2025 at $295.025/cwt, off $1.875. Corn futures, meanwhile, posted modest gains on continued feed demand and market firmness—May 2025 rose to $4.6725, up 6.75 cents, while July 2025 climbed to $4.7550, up 5.25 cents.
Open interest in CME live cattle futures rose by 3,192 contracts to 356,921, extending its 10-day streak of growth. Wednesday’s federally inspected cattle slaughter totaled 121,000 head, down slightly from 122,000 the previous week and 123,536 on the same day a year ago. Week-to-date cattle slaughter stands at 345,000 head, trailing both last week’s 350,000 and last year’s 358,878 pace. Year-to-date, 9.91 million head have been processed, running 5.7% below 2024 levels.
Boxed beef values surged again on Tuesday, with the Choice cutout jumping $5.49 to $348.26—its highest since May 2020—marking five straight daily gains and a $16.53 increase since April 22. In contrast, the Select cutout fell $1.30 to $323.82, widening the Choice/Select spread to $24.44, one of the largest in recent months. The loin primal led the charge, soaring $10.80 to $481.19, while ribs and chuck also posted strong gains. Total movement was 108 loads, signaling steady demand despite tightening supplies and ongoing seasonal buying. Federally inspected slaughter remains light at 224,000 head through Tuesday, down from 228,000 last week and 235,342 last year, and year-to-date numbers are now running 5.8% below 2024.
According to Feeder Flash, Unionville Livestock Market in Missouri made history Tuesday, setting new national records across multiple weight classes. The standout moment came with two loads of 8-weight Rockin R steers topping $330/cwt—an all-time national high. Unionville also posted the first-ever 9-weight steer sale to break $300, with 64 head at 910 lbs selling for $308.60. Flint Hills in Kansas also saw record 8-weight sales, further confirming the strength in heavyweight feeders. These market-setting sales reflect intense buyer demand and sale barn strength in delivering premium prices, especially when matched with top-tier cattle and experienced marketing.
