Cattle Trade Set to Restart on Monday under Wider Boundaries
In the livestock market, live and feeder cattle futures have been experiencing fluctuations and trends over the past week. Here's a summary of the recent prices, trends, and forecasts for live cattle and feeder cattle futures for specified contract months as of mid to late August 2025.
Live Cattle Futures Prices (August 25, October 25, December 25)
- August 2025: Cash live cattle prices recently ranged mostly between $242-$246 live and dressed prices $380-$386. The August futures contract had gains of about $3.70 on the week but saw some recent volatility, making the market difficult to read.
- October 2025: On August 18, the October live cattle futures closed at approximately $231.17, gaining about 52 cents on that day. The futures have had some gains of $0.47 to $1.10 in the near future contracts lately, reflecting some strengthening despite tight supplies.
- December 2025: Prices generally rose across the board on August 16-18 with early December live cattle contracts showing gains between $2.90 and $3.90 in recent days, in line with August and October contracts.
Feeder Cattle Futures Prices (August 25, September 25, October 25)
- August 2025: Specific August feeder cattle futures prices are less commonly quoted as the month closes, but recent news points to feeder cattle futures rising by $2.75 to $4.35 across front months, with feeder cattle cash auctions showing prices $2-$8 higher for steers and heifers recently.
- September 2025: As of August 18, the September feeder cattle futures closed near $350.92, gaining around $3.57 that day.
- October 2025: October feeder cattle futures also show gains among front-month contracts up to $4.35 on recent trading days.
Market Sentiment and Outlook
Live cattle futures are showing moderate gains despite volatility, supported by tight supplies and slower slaughter rates. Feeder cattle futures have been strongly higher in recent sessions, helped by higher cash auction prices and strong demand. Wholesale boxed beef prices are climbing sharply, signaling possible retail price increases over the coming weeks, especially around holiday demand spikes like Labor Day.
Market conditions remain cautious due to import uncertainties and southern market standstill scenarios, but overall futures price trends are bullish to steady.
[1] CME Group Live Cattle Prices
[2] USDA Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Market News
[3] Futures Industry Association Live Cattle Report
[4] Reuters Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Futures News
[5] Bloomberg Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Futures Data
- Despite the volatility in the livestock market, live cattle futures have been exhibiting moderate gains, supported by tight supplies and slower slaughter rates, reminiscent of the advancements often seen in technological innovations.
- In contrast, feeder cattle futures have experienced a surge, aided by higher cash auction prices and strong demand, reflecting the rise of technology in sports that attracts substantial investor interest.
