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MONDAY MEME
MARKET REPORT
WEATHER 20/20 REPORT
AGRICULTURE
OLD TRUCKS CARRY LASTING MEMORIES
OSU STUDIES DARK-CUTTING BEEF LOSSES
PATIENCE PAYS DURING SPRING GRAZING
FINANCE
DAILY REPORTING
TIGHT MARGINS CHALLENGE FARM PLANNING
SOYBEANS RALLY ON CHINA OPTIMISM
CATTLE FUTURES PULL BACK FRIDAY
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374.83
Previous
372.29
Change
2.54 ▲
Friday, May 08
Valentine Livestock
5,880 Valentine, NE
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 500-600 lbs | 509.00-571.00 | 400-500 lbs | 539.00-570.00 |
| 600-700 lbs | 445.00-497.00 | 500-600 lbs | 455.00-517.50 |
| 700-800 lbs | 382.50-449.00 | 600-700 lbs | 410.00-481.00 |
| 800-900 lbs | 367.25-416.75 | 700-800 lbs | 362.00-416.00 |
| 900-1000 lbs | 365.00-368.00 | 800-900 lbs | 358.00 |
Winter Livestock
5,294 Pratt, KS
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 500-600 lbs | 462.50-492.50 | 500-600 lbs | 392.50-407.50 |
| 600-700 lbs | 389.00-447.50 | 600-700 lbs | 356.00-392.00 |
| 700-800 lbs | 350.00-377.00 | 700-800 lbs | 331.00-365.00 |
| 800-900 lbs | 328.00-360.50 | 800-900 lbs | 319.50-339.00 |
| 900-1000 lbs | 309.00-337.00 | 900-1000 lbs | 295.50-312.00 |
Mitchell Livestock
4,000 Mitchell, SD
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 500-600 lbs | 482.50-535.00 | 500-600 lbs | 423.00-481.00 |
| 600-700 lbs | 423.00-457.50 | 600-700 lbs | 375.00-429.50 |
| 700-800 lbs | 379.00-413.00 | 700-800 lbs | 345.00-390.00 |
| 800-900 lbs | 343.00-383.50 | 800-900 lbs | 321.00-346.50 |
| 900-1000 lbs | 329.00-349.75 | 900-1000 lbs | 308.00 |
CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE LIVESTOCK FUTURES SETTLEMENT
Friday
| Live Cattle | Change | Feeder Cattle | Change | ||
| Jun | 248.900 | 1.150 ▼ | May | 367.375 | 1.050 ▲ |
| Aug | 244.100 | 1.800 ▼ | Aug | 364.225 | 1.950 ▼ |
| Oct | 238.300 | 1.675 ▼ | Sep | 362.225 | 2.425 ▼ |
CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE GRAIN FUTURES SETTLEMENTS
Friday
| Corn | Change | Soy Beans | Change | ||
| May | 4.5625 | 0.0350 ▲ | May | 11.9425 | 0.1725 ▲ |
| Jul | 4.7125 | 0.0375 ▲ | Jul | 12.0800 | 0.1575 ▲ |
| Sep | 4.7775 | 0.0350 ▲ | Aug | 12.0275 | 0.1600 ▲ |
KANSAS CITY BOARD OF TRADE
Friday
| Wheat | Change | ||||
| May | 6.7250 | 0.1775 ▲ | |||
| Jul | 6.7575 | 0.0850 ▲ | |||
| Sep | 6.8650 | 0.0775 ▲ | |||
ESTIMATED DAILY CATTLE SLAUGHTER
| Friday | 92,000 | Thursday |
| Week Ago (est) | 90,000 | Steer & Heifer: 88,000 |
| Year Ago (act) | 91,000 | Cow & Bull: 21,000 |
| Wk To Date (est) | 514,000 | |
| Last Week (est) | 524,000 | |
| Last Year (est) | 560,000 |
Friday, May 08
5 AREA WEEKLY ACCUMULATED WEIGHTED AVG CATTLE PRICE
| As of 10:00 am | Head Count | Avg Weight | Avg Price |
| Live Steer | 30,430 | 1,559 | 258.32 |
| Live Heifer | 15,795 | 1,389 | 258.05 |
| Dressed Steer | 12,958 | 1,022 | 402.37 |
| Dressed Heifer | 2,562 | 908 | 403.18 |
DAILY ESTIMATED CUTOUT VALUES
| 600-900# | Choice | Select | Choice/Select Spread |
| Current Cutout Values: | 388.39 | 385.01 | 3.38 |
| Change from prior day: | +1.45▲ | +0.59▲ |
DAILY CATTLE SLAUGHTER
| Friday | 92,000 | Thursday |
| Week Ago (est) | 90,000 | Steer & Heifer: 88,000 |
| Year Ago (act) | 91,279 | Cow & Bull: 21,000 |
| Wk To Date (est) | 514,000 | |
| Last Week (est) | 524,000 | |
| Last Year (est) | 559,707 |
Today John is back to share what he heard firsthand after attending a Department of Justice briefing in Washington, D.C., where discussions focused on foreign involvement in the U.S. food supply, packer concentration, and growing concerns around national security.
From whistleblower incentives to the role of independent producers in shaping policy, this conversation highlights why these issues are gaining serious attention and what it could mean for the future of the cattle industry.
Takeaways:
DOJ is actively investigating antitrust issues in the cattle industry
Foreign ownership in the U.S. food supply is a growing national concern
Packer concentration continues to limit competition and price discovery
Whistleblower programs could incentivize industry insiders to come forward
Policy conversations are shifting toward U.S. food security and independence
Independent producers are starting to have a stronger voice in policy discussions
Consolidation has long-term impacts on producer leverage and market access
The outcome of these investigations could shape the future structure of the cattle industry
Have a topic you want to hear discussed? Use the button below to send us your request and tune in to CattleUSA TV on YouTube to see the answer 🤠
*Do not include personal details like addresses, passwords, financial information or other sensitive data*
Friday, May 08
A heck of a lot of weird things have happened in these livestock markets the last several weeks, and this week's board action following the record high cash trade has to be one of the weirdest things I've ever seen. I would like to chalk it up to basis correcting and getting first week of May cash 10 over the June futures like normal, but the way it happened was not normal at all. Can I say that was the top? Legally, no. But was it? All I can say is that I feel very comfortable having 100% of my downside risk managed, and maybe a bit more than needed to be honest. We'll see what next week brings, as cash vs futures should start to narrow the deeper into May we get. Does that mean June futures rally to catch up with cash, or will cash come down to trade closer to June futures? Is it possible both happen to an extent since it took futures dropping and cash rallying to get us to today's +10? Yes that is possible as well. We'll see.
By the way, I would look into covering some of your feed needs. That drought monitor is not improving and the farmer has been selling corn into this rally. Is it possible that corn under $5 was the buy of the year? Anything is possible.
As required by state law, I must remind you that you and your family must consume at least 1 meal of steaks, 1 meal of pork chops or pork shoulder steaks, and 1 meal of bacon cheeseburgers this weekend. NO EXCEPTIONS!! Have a good weekend.
-Fat cattle kill at 92,000 vs 90,000 a week ago and 91,000 a year ago
-Choice boxes up 1.45 to $388.39 and select up .59 to $385.01 for a spread of 3.38 on 120 loads
-CME feeder index(Feeder LRP Settlement) for 5/7 came in at $374.83
-Fed Cattle LRP’s ending last week settled at $255.13
-Hog kill at 479,000 vs 461,000 a week ago and 473,000 a year ago.
-Afternoon Pork reported up 1.96 at $97.56 on 353.19 loads
-CME lean hog index on 5/6 reported at 91.02
-CME pork cutout index on 5/7 reported at 96.33
-LRP’s ending 5/8 settled at approximately $91.08
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Trading futures and options involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Review our full disclaimer at https://www.logicag.com/disclaimer
2”-3” of rain is likely for the ECB, TN Valley to southeast USA. Most of the rain for the southeast USA occurs the next 4-5 days. Central/east TX to MO will see 2”-3” of rain, a few locations will see 3”-6”. All other grain areas will see 0.25”-1”. A few locations will see 1”-3”. Keep in mind May and June are on average the wettest times of year. So, 1”-3” of rain over 2 weeks in the Plains/Midwest is near/below average in the main belt as average May rainfall is 4”-6”.
CattleUSA has teamed up with Weather 20/20 to bring you exclusive access to long-range weather forecasts using their patent-pending LRC methodology. Plan ahead with confidence and stay ahead of the weather—now at a special discounted rate for CattleUSA users!
Old Trucks Carry Lasting Memories
A simple farm truck became a reminder of how deeply equipment can be tied to family history and rural life. What once felt embarrassing as a kid later became a treasured symbol of hard work, memories and time spent with loved ones. read more here
OSU Studies Dark-Cutting Beef Losses
Researchers at Oklahoma State University are studying the causes, consumer response and economic impact of dark-cutting beef. The work aims to help producers and processors reduce quality losses and improve beef value across the supply chain. read more here
Patience Pays During Spring Grazing
Extension specialists warn that turning cattle onto pasture too early can weaken grass stands and shorten the grazing season. Letting forage reach proper height before turnout helps protect pasture productivity and supports stronger gains during a high-value cattle market. read more here
Friday, May 08
| MARKETS | PRICE | CHANGE | PERCENT |
| DOW | 49,609.16 | + 12.19 | 0.02% ▲ |
| S&P 500 | 7,398.93 | + 61.82 | 0.84% ▲ |
| NASDAQ | 26,247.08 | + 440.88 | 1.71% ▲ |
| Russell 2000 | 2,861.21 | + 21.58 | 0.76% ▲ |
| Gold | 4,723.70 | - 7.00 | 0.15% ▼ |
| Silver | 80.83 | - 0.03 | 0.04% ▼ |
| Bitcoin | 80,216.00 | + 187.00 | 0.23% ▲ |
| Crude Oil | 94.68 | - 0.74 | 0.78% ▼ |
Tight Margins Challenge Farm Planning
Agricultural economists say high input costs and narrow crop margins are making long-term planning more difficult for farmers. Producers are encouraged to closely track break-even levels, budgets and expenses to stay financially resilient during ongoing uncertainty. read more here
Soybeans Rally on China Optimism
Soybeans posted strong weekly gains on hopes for new Chinese purchases ahead of next week’s Trump-Xi summit, while corn slipped lower amid questions about planted acreage. Traders are closely watching the May WASDE report and large speculative fund positions for direction. read more here
Cattle Futures Pull Back Friday
Live and feeder cattle futures ended lower Friday after recent record highs, though cash cattle trade remained strong at $256–260/cwt. Tight slaughter numbers and firmer boxed beef prices continue supporting the broader cattle market despite late-week profit taking. read more here
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