Live Cattle Futures Edge Higher; Fed Auction No Sales; Beef Prices Mixed (2/4/2026)

Live cattle futures posted gains of 17 to 60 cents on Wednesday, with front-month contracts up 0.175 to 0.600 dollars. The Wednesday Fed Cattle Exchange online auction saw no sales on 1,602 head offered. Cash trade has been slow this week, with last week's cash prices at $238–$240. Feeder cattle futures advanced $1.35 to $2.15 on the day. The CME Feeder Cattle Index closed at $374.57, down 44 cents from February 3. Wholesale boxed beef prices were mixed: the Chc/Select spread at $5.93. Choice boxes closed at $368.02, down $2.69; Select at $362.09, down $5.14. USDA reported 113,000 head slaughtered Wednesday, for a weekly total of 336,000, 12,000 head above last week but 20,175 head below same week last year. Feb 26: Live Cattle @ $240.525 +$0.200
Apr 26: Live Cattle @ $241.800 +$0.175
Jun 26: Live Cattle @ $237.225 +$0.600
Mar 26: Feeder Cattle @ $370.075 +$2.150
Apr 26: Feeder Cattle @ $367.500 +$1.625
May 26: Feeder Cattle @ $363.750 +$1.350