Cattle traded in moderate to active numbers in Kansas and the Panhandle at $104.00 live, mostly steady with last week. Asking prices on cattle left on the lists this morning are mostly $106.00, with no bid found yet. Trade may be over for the week in the south. Cattle traded in Nebraska at $105.00- $107.00 live, with most of the trade at $106.00, steady with last week. Dressed trade ranged $168- $172, and averaged down about $1 from last week. Afternoon reported volumes were moderate, and we expect to see additional trade reported this morning by the USDA in basically the same ranges. If not, there could be a few more cattle trade today.

The choice cutout was up $0.78 at $178.24 last night, with the select down $0.66 at $172.73. Volume was a little disappointing given the fact that it is a short week, and that feedback on weekend clearance was quite positive. Could it be that disappointing jobs numbers and break in the stock market made buyers somewhat cautious?

Hog calls are steady/weak this morning. Another hard drop in the cutout last night is helping to keep buyers from being too aggressive even though they are buying for a full kill week next week.

The pork cutout lost $1.70 last night. Loins and butts were both quoted as weak by the USDA. Light hams were 3 cents lower from their last quote. The two heavier categories were 1-2 cents lower. Bellies lost 3-8 cents. It is disappointing to packers that pork prices are coming down even with short production this week.

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For more information or trading ideas about this market, Please contact us at (312)896- 2001 or email us at sales@linngroup.com.