Market Commentary

Live Cattle futures have began the week with extreme volatility as outside factors weigh on the market while the fundamentals surrounding the complex actually improve. Feeder Cattle futures have also been volatile as the Corn market and equity markets have seen big swings. Lean Hog futures posted new contract highs in the deferred contracts as the nearby contracts stay in line with the current cash markets. Corn futures turned in one of the biggest ranges in recent history yesterday as the complex continues to follow an extremely volatile crude oil market.

Live Cattle futures fought off the negative outside influences most of the week but finished sharply lower today. Feeder Cattle futures turned in one of the most volatile weeks in recent history and could not fight off the higher Corn market. Lean Hogs posted new contract highs in the deferred contracts this week as the pork cutout continues to be supported. Corn futures finally found bullish momentum and followed the crude oil market higher this week.

Live Cattle futures have been under heavy pressure both days this week but battled back to finish each day higher. Feeder Cattle futures have also had a volatile start to the week but held at some long term support levels. Lean Hog Futures finished the day mixed following the deferred contracts testing contract highs today. Corn futures have failed to solidify any direction, continuing to digest the war news and watch the crude oil markets.

Live Cattle futures finished the week sharply lower and helped move the cash trade lower. Feeder futures have erased over $18 in the last 7 sessions and finished the day at the lowest levels of the year. Lean Hog futures finished the day mixed but ended their streak of higher closes. Corn futures enjoyed the higher wheat market today and pushed to new highs for the move.

Live Cattle futures finished the day mixed as cash trade has yet to develop and outside influences have created headwinds. Feeder Cattle futures finished the day higher, breaking a three-day losing streak. Lean Hog futures have now finished higher six days in a row and have recovered over half of the losses from the beginning of the month. Corn futures posted new highs for the move yesterday but have been unable to find additional support since.

Live Cattle futures finished the day lower ahead of today’s Cattle on Feed Report. Feeder Cattle futures also finished lower despite the CME Feeder Cattle index posting a new all-time record high. Lean Hog futures finished higher each day this week as the cash fundamentals continue to be supported. Corn futures have found support from the wheat market the last three days and finished the week on a positive note.

Live Cattle futures opened higher and stayed higher all day due to the higher cash market last week. Feeder Cattle futures found support from the Live Cattle complex along with the lower Corn market. Lean Hogs broke their seven day losing streak after moving near support levels. Corn futures finished the day sharply lower as supplies continue to be more than adequate.

Live Cattle futures finished slightly higher in the February contract with the steady to higher cash market while the deferred contracts finished slightly lower. Feeder Cattle futures could not hold their gains from early this morning and finished the day mixed. Lean hogs have now finished lower for seven straight days as the managed money liquidated long positions. Corn futures tested technical support this week and ultimately finished the week higher after Tuesday’s neutral WASDE Report.

Live Cattle futures traded on both sides of steady today as traders wait for the cash market to get started this week. Feeder Cattle futures saw more pressure in the nearby contracts as the CME Feeder Cattle index has not been able to push into new all-time highs. Lean Hogs finished lower for the fourth consecutive day after posting new contract highs last Wednesday. Corn futures finished slightly higher after the USDA added export demand in today’s WASDE Report.