Mid day cash livestock markets in the US

The article provides an overview of the current state of the agricultural market, focusing on the cash cattle trade, boxed beef, feeder markets, and cash hogs. It highlights a slow start to the week with light trade volumes and stable prices, potentially due to buyers and sellers taking inventory and evaluating market trends. Late in the week, there was a slight increase in trade activity, with dressed cattle traded at $257 to $262 and live cattle at $164, both slightly above the previous week's prices.

Boxed beef prices are mixed, with Choice at $286.96 and Select at $279.05, resulting in a $7.91 spread. In the feeders market, prices were steady to $5 higher, with good demand for lighter-weight grazing-type cattle under 650 pounds. Cash hogs are steady with moderate negotiated purchases, indicating demand is increasing, which could lead to more aggressive packer bidding. Pork values, including bellies, butts, loins, and ribs, are sharply higher, while picnics and hams see a decrease in price. Overall, the market is experiencing stable to slight increases in prices, with packers facing good supply and potential pressure to increase bids due to demand.