Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was limited on light demand in the Texas Panhandle through Thursday afternoon, but early live sales were $3 higher than last week at $138/cwt.
Elsewhere, trade was mostly at a standstill.
Earlier in the week, live prices in Nebraska and the western Corn Belt were at $140/cwt., which was $5 higher in Nebraska and $2 higher in the western Corn Belt. Dressed prices of $220-$222 were $3-$4 higher in Nebraska and $3-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt.
Cattle futures were narrowly mixed Thursday, as some traders checked out for the year. The weekly U.S. Export Sales report for the week could have added some pressure to Live Cattle. Net U.S. beef export sales for the week ending Dec. 23 were 48% less than the prior week and 55% less than the previous four-week average.
Live Cattle futures closed an average of 36¢ lower.
Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of 46¢ higher (5¢ higher at the back to 95¢ higher toward the front), except for 35¢ lower in Sep.
Choice boxed beef cutout value was 45¢ lower Thursday afternoon at $265.26/cwt. Select was $1.14 higher at $258.23/cwt.
Grain futures closed lower Thursday with rains in South America and position squaring.
Corn futures closed 9¢ to 10¢ lower in the front four contracts and then mostly 5¢ to 6¢ lower.
Soybean futures closed 20¢ to 30¢ lower in the front six contracts and then mostly 5¢ to 7¢ lower.
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