Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures firmed on Wednesday amid technical trading, weakness in U.S. corn futures and hopes of higher cash prices next week as packers close out the year, analysts said.
The trade is expecting a smaller hog herd, Reuters survey shows
Lean hog futures also ended the day lower
Some feedlots becoming backed up with heavier cattle, setting negative tone for feed complex
Lean hogs end slightly down after early jump
Gains in the stock market supported livestock futures, analyst says
Live cattle futures have bounced a bit after sinking last week to a 14-month low
"I think we're still trying to hunt for a bottom": analyst
Feedlot operators gearing up for shortfall in overall numbers in the first half of 2024
CME lean hogs hit lowest price since Nov. 28 contract low
Despite small U.S. herd, placement into feedlots have been above last year's levels