Lean hog futures close higher - CME

Apr 10, 2023

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle futures firmed on Friday on bargain buying a day after setting one-month lows, and as traders squared positions ahead of monthly feedlot data released by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) after the close of trading, reported Reuters.

CME February live cattle settled up 0.675 cent at 156.625 cents per pound, and most-active April ended up 0.800 cent at 159.925 cents per pound.

CME March feeder cattle futures rose 0.875 cent to settle at 180.975 cents per pound.

Soft cash cattle markets hung over futures, capping rallies. Market-ready cattle traded in Kansas and Texas this week at $155 per hundredweight (cwt), down $1 from the bulk of last week's trades.

But wholesale beef values inched higher, with choice cuts priced by the USDA on Friday afternoon at $271.72 per cwt, up 21 cents from the previous day, and select cuts up 74 cents at $256.43 per cwt.

After the CME close, the USDA reported the number of cattle in US feedlots as of Jan. 1 at 11.682 million head, down 3% from a year ago, while analysts surveyed by Reuters on average had expected a slightly larger decline of 3.2%. Cattle placements in December were down 8% from a year ago, while analysts on average had expected a 9% decline.

"Compared to what trade expected, it (the USDA's report) probably had a slightly bearish tone," said Austin Schroeder, commodity analyst with Nebraska-based Brugler Marketing. However, he noted, cattle futures already declined in the days leading up to the report, a factor that could mute any market impact on Monday.

CME lean hog futures closed higher, pausing after selling off for most of the last four weeks.

February lean hog futures ended up 1.175 cents at 77.825 cents per pound. Most-active April hogs rose 1.325 cents to 85.725 cents per pound, a day after recording a 3-1/2 month low at 84.075 cents.

Wholesale pork prices rose, extending a bounce from two-year lows set this week. The USDA quoted the pork carcass cutout on Friday afternoon at $79.99 per cwt, up 42 cents from Thursday.

Source : The Pigsite

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.