Live cattle futures posted losses of $1.47 to $1.92 on Thursday in risk off mode. Cash trade has started this week at $201 in the South, with sales reported of $202-205 on NE. The Thursday morning Central Stockyards Fed Cattle Exchange online auction showed sales on two lots at $201. Feeder cattle futures were down $1.775 to $2.075 at the Thursday close. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was back up 27 from the day prior at $278.31 on January 15.

Weekly Export Sales data showed a total of 9,732 MT of beef sold for 2025 delivery in the week of January 9. Japan was the largest buyer of 3,600 MT, with 3,500 MT to China. Export shipments totaled 14,640 MT in that week, a 3-week high. The top destination was Japan at 3,800 MT, with 3,600 T to South Korea.

USDA wholesale Boxed Beef prices were mixed in the Thursday PM report, with the Chc/Sel spread tightening to $14.03. Choice boxes were down 73 cents at $333.41/cwt, with Select $1.34 higher @ $319.38. USDA estimated federally inspected cattle slaughter for Thursday at 122,000 head, taking the weekly total to 488,000 head. That is 14,000 head above last week and up 34,4788 head from the same week last year.

Feb 25 Live Cattle  closed at $196.600, down $1.925,

Apr 25 Live Cattle  closed at $197.675, down $1.650,

Jun 25 Live Cattle  closed at $191.975, down $1.475,

Jan 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $273.450, down $1.775,

Mar 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $267.725, down $2.075,

Apr 25 Feeder Cattle  closed at $268.200, down $1.925,