Wednesday Cattle Futures Quotes Show Broad Gains Across Live and Feeder Markets

LiquidationKing · 2026-02-08T10:11:48+00:00

Wednesday's commodity markets saw live and feeder cattle futures rise significantly, with live cattle up 70 to 95 cents and feeder cattle gaining $1.10 to $2.50. The USDA Beef report showed mixed signals, and cattle slaughter numbers indicated a potential supply shortfall, suggesting continued bullish trends in livestock futures.

LiquidationKing

2026-02-08 10:11:48

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Wednesday’s commodity markets delivered solid gains for both live and feeder cattle futures, signaling continued strength in the livestock sector. The wednesday quotes reflected positive momentum across multiple contract months, even as cash trading remained dormant to start the week.

Live Cattle Futures Rally on Wednesday with Cash Trade Awaiting Activity

Live cattle futures gained between 70 to 95 cents across the front months on Wednesday’s session. The cash market remained inactive to open the week, though sporadic bids near $236 appeared for Wednesday trades. Price discovery stabilized around the $233 to $236.50 range for live cattle and $370 for dressed beef in recent sessions. February 26 Live Cattle contracts closed at $236.525, up $0.925, while April 26 Live Cattle rallied to $238.275, gaining $0.875. June 26 Live Cattle contracts added $0.700 to reach $233.950.

Feeder Cattle Surge: CME Index and Futures Rally

Feeder cattle futures demonstrated exceptional strength, with gains ranging from $1.10 to $2.50 across Wednesday’s trading. The CME Feeder Cattle Index advanced $1.16 to $364.73 as of January 26. January 26 Feeder Cattle contracts surged $1.100 to $367.950, March 26 Feeder Cattle jumped $2.425 to $364.425, and April 26 Feeder Cattle climbed $2.350 to $363.000, reflecting broader bullish sentiment in the feeder segment.

USDA Boxed Beef Report Reflects Mixed Market Signals

Wednesday’s USDA wholesale Boxed Beef report presented a complex picture of market dynamics, with the Choice and Select spread expanding to $5.52. Choice box prices rallied $1.14 to $369.25, demonstrating strength in premium beef demand, while Select box prices declined $1.46 to $363.73, signaling softer interest in the lower-priced tier.

Cattle Slaughter Data Highlights Weekly Shortfall

USDA federally inspected cattle slaughter was estimated at 112,000 head on Tuesday, bringing the weekly total to 212,000 head. This represented a decline of 7,000 head compared to the prior week and fell 24,878 head short of the same week one year earlier, suggesting potential tightness in cattle supplies heading forward. These wednesday quotes and underlying supply metrics point toward sustained bullish pressure for livestock futures in the near term.

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