Hog futures climb ahead of grilling season demand - CME

Apr 21, 2025

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle futures rose on Monday, extending the rally from the previous session, on strong wholesale beef prices and a higher close on Wall Street that lifted optimism about consumer demand for meat, Reuters reported, citing traders.

CME June live cattle futures settled up 2.275 cents to end at 199.075 cents per pound and May feeder cattle futures ended 2.250 cents higher at 280.950 cents per pound.

In the beef market, choice cuts of boxed beef rose $1.41 to $335.63 per hundredweight (cwt) and select cuts rose $1.89 to $315.85 per cwt on Monday afternoon, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture.

"The boxed beef showed a little bit of stability," said independent trader Dan Norcini, adding that strength in equity markets lent support to cattle futures as well.

"It has taken some of the fear factor out, when the stock market is not imploding."

A seasonal uptick in demand for meat likely added to bullish sentiment, Norcini said, noting that retailers will soon need to stock their meat cases with supplies for Mothers Day, Memorial Day and summertime grilling.

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Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.