Live cattle futures held gains of 22 cents to $1.52 in the front months on Friday, with deferreds 17 to 25 cents lower. February was up $5.85 on the week spurred by the cash strength. Cash action was at $191-192 trade in the South this week, with trade up to $195-196 in the North. There were no deliveries issued against December live cattle again on Friday. Feeder cattle posted losses of 60 to 90 cents on the session. January was up $1.82 since last Friday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was up $1.61 from the day prior at $262.59 on December 12. 

The weekly CFTC Commitment of Traders report showed a total of 3,908 contracts added to the large managed money net long position as of 12/10, taking the position to 126,308 contracts. In feeder cattle, they added 1,012 contracts to their net long at 19,866 contracts by Tuesday.

USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were higher in the Friday afternoon report. Choice boxes were up $1.15 to $316.39/cwt, with Select $3.38 higher @ $283.86. USDA estimated this week’s federally inspected cattle slaughter at 609,000 head. That is 5,000 head below the previous week and down 38,172 from the same week last year.

Dec 24 Live Cattle  closed at $193.650, up $1.525,

Feb 25 Live Cattle  closed at $192.025, up $1.175,

Apr 25 Live Cattle  closed at $193.000, up $0.825,

Jan 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $257.650, down $0.700,

Mar 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $257.675, down $0.900,

Apr 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $258.525, down $0.700,