Lean hog futures reach new highs - CME

Apr 28, 2025

Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live and feeder cattle futures climbed on Wednesday as investors hoped for de-escalation in the US- China trade conflict, reported Reuters.

CME June live cattle futures reached life of contract highs and settled up 1.825 cents at 208.100 cents per pound and August feeder cattle futures ended 0.925 cent higher at 292.175 cents per pound.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters on Wednesday that the high tariffs currently on imports between the United States and China - 145% on Chinese products and 125% on US products - could not last.

"Neither side believes that these are sustainable levels. As I said yesterday, this is the equivalent of an embargo and a break between the two countries in trade does not suit anyone's interest," Bessent said.

That factor, as well as a strong cash cattle trade, supported cattle futures on Wednesday, according to Doug Houghton, analyst at Brock Associates.

Tight feeder cattle supplies continued to underpin the market, while weaker CBOT corn futures also offered support.

Packers lost an estimated $134.10 per head of cattle, according to livestock marketing advisory service HedgersEdge.com, compared with losses of $77.75 per head a week ago.

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Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.