A strong performance in futures Tuesday sparked sharply higher trade this week. Kansas traded cattle shortly after the close at $101.00 live. Trade in Texas followed mid afternoon at $101.50 to $102.00 live. Volumes reflected active demand for a full kill week next week. Trade in Nebraska appeared limited to live trade in the West. Prices ranged $100.00 to $101.50. Dressed bids in the East were up to $159, but no trade was reported.

The choice cutout was down $0.82 at $160.14 last night, with the select up $0.63 at $149.79. Volume was moderate and definitely better than last week. This is not surprising since for some will be fitting 5 days of buying into three days. Packers are going to need health increases in beef values next week to offset the higher prices paid for cattle.

HOGS

Cash hog calls are mostly steady to $1.00 higher this morning. Strong demand for fresh pork and anticipation of the seasonal ham rally has packers chasing hogs to put together a big kill next week. Slaughter the week after Thanksgiving is often one of the largest of the year.

The pork cutout was gained $1.28 last night. Loins were quoted steady firm with butts steady to as much as 3 cents lower. Middle weight hams jumped 2 cents. Heavy hams were quoted steady/firm and the weighted average was up almost 2 cents as well. Bellies were unquoted; that market is quiet due to the holiday.

Last night's CME storage report showed a net in-movement of 5.185 mill lbs compared to a net in- movement last year of 2.452 mill lbs. Stocks on hand now total 29.230 mill lbs compared to 26.322 mill lbs last year.