Tight supplies in the cattle feeder market last week have led to sharply higher bids this week as packers compete to fulfill boxed beef sales commitments. This holiday season’s processing pace has been higher than previously anticipated, with 579,000 weekly head – the largest Thanksgiving week total since 2006.
And despite the $3 advancement in cash trade, December Live Cattle futures closed $0.37/cwt lower last week. Carcass weights are increasing, as well, making a notable 6-pound jump to an average of 931 pounds.
