Live cattle futures closed Thursday with contracts down $2.35 to $3.05, while feeder cattle futures fell $3.35 to $4.40. Cash trade picked up with a few light northern sales at $378 to $380 dressed and live action reported at $238 to $240, with Southern trade at $237 to $238. The CME Feeder Cattle Index dropped $3.55 on July 15 to $365.52. USDA export sales data showed beef sales for 2026 at 7,973 metric tons for the week ending July 9, the fourth lowest total for the calendar year, while shipments of 10,354 metric tons marked a calendar year low. Wholesale boxed beef prices were lower in the Thursday afternoon report, with Choice boxes down $2.90 at $369.34 and Select $3.49 lower to $355.69. Federally inspected cattle slaughter for Tuesday was 109,000 head, bringing the week-to-date total to 433,000 head, up 3,000 from the previous week but 29,283 below the same week last year.
Feeder cattle index dropped and wholesale boxed beef prices fell, reflecting weak demand and lower cash trade.
USDA export sales data showed beef sales at fourth lowest total for 2026 and shipments at calendar year low, indicating weak demand.