Rick Kment

Cattle futures are posting moderate to firm losses Friday morning although little has changed fundamentally or technically in the market. Traders are squaring positions following the recent market rally, as the month of May comes...

The focus Friday in cattle futures is on defending recent gains. Spot June futures have rallied $3.75 per cwt through the week, moving to the highest levels since February before the coronavirus issues heavily affected the market.

Triple-digit losses in the lean hog complex has become the highlight of trade activity Thursday. Concerns surrounding China tensions could add further weakness to the livestock sector.

The continued tensions in how China is dealing with Hong Kong has continued to drive a spike between U.S. and China relations. This is expected to have an impact on further trade relations with China and potentially the special...

The ability to continue to push prices higher following strong triple-digit gains Tuesday is helping to add some stability to the market. But narrow gains are causing some to become concerned that price support will be limited.

Strong triple-digit gains developed through the day Tuesday as traders became more focused on longer-term support through the meat complex. Renewed outside market support through the week after moderate to active gains in...

Narrow to moderate gains are seen in nearby futures early Tuesday as traders focus on reduced cattle supplies in feedlots following Friday's report. Initial gains in hog futures are quickly evaporating on demand uncertainty.

Limited market volume is expected Tuesday morning as traders slowly return from the long Memorial Day holiday weekend. Although the expectation that reopening many sectors of the country and economy is pointing to increased...

Moderate pressure quickly developed in live cattle and lean hog trade Friday. Although the tone of the market remains generally stable ahead of the weekend break, the lack of overall beef demand support is concerning for the...

Trade Friday is expected to be focused on position adjusting with traders getting books in order for the upcoming long holiday weekend, while limited to moderate adjustments are likely ahead of the afternoon Cattle on Feed...

Firm buyer support is seen in most livestock trade early Thursday morning as traders focus on potential fundamental support and steady increases in daily slaughter numbers through the week.

Firm cash market gains and limited pre-holiday futures activity is expected to lead to market adjustments as traders expect to see limited activity late in the week.

Follow-through pressure in lean hog futures trade is expected early Wednesday morning with traders focusing on the aggressive losses in pork cutout values. Cattle trade is expected mixed in a limited range.

Cattle futures are holding light to moderate losses in opening minutes of trade. The limited volume Tuesday is allowing traders to cover gains seen over the last couple of sessions, although current losses are unable to dampen the...

Underlying market firmness is starting to develop in cattle trade as futures markets are finding support despite the sharp pullback in boxed beef values. This could allow for additional buyer support to steadily move into the...

Live cattle futures are showing significant buyer support early Monday morning as firm late week cash market gains and underlying support is offsetting concerns of lower wholesale beef values.

The market volatility during the first half of May in all livestock markets is expected to continue as wholesale meat values are likely to show further significant pressure as the week continues.

Active price support in June live cattle futures set an optimistic pace Friday. There is still limited support through the entire complex following recent losses and falling wholesale prices, but late week traders remain optimistic.

Active pressure in boxed beef values the last two weeks is establishing a weaker trend in the cattle complex as expected, but a correction from previous gains appears to be developing.

Firm weakness Wednesday left a combination of mixed price shifts early Thursday. Traders are focusing on the direction in meat values during upcoming days.

Boxed beef values posted record "one day" losses Wednesday, creating a tipping point and expected follow-through pressure. This is expected to add to widespread losses in live cattle trade Thursday morning.

Back-and-forth limit moves in live cattle futures through the week and aggressive market swings in all livestock trade continue to keep volatility high Wednesday morning.

The focus on early gains Tuesday quickly was dispelled as prices pulled back from session highs with continued underlying pressure from Monday's losses sparking additional selling activity.

Little has changed in the overall fundamental or technical market picture the last few days, allowing livestock futures to shift lower early in the week with little effort. Limit losses Monday in live cattle futures is expected to add...

The livestock industry is trying to assess what the new normal is as slow but steady growth in the packing capacity is likely to help reduce some supply concerns. As increased measures to reopen the economy, there is more focus...

Limit gains Wednesday in cattle trade focused on potential market improvement as traders seem to feel the worst may be behind us when it comes to processing struggles of packing plants. The focus on returning plant production...

Limited success in reopening previously closed packing plants and additional closing of plants in Nebraska continues to cause pressure through the entire livestock complex. The surging wholesale meat values remain disconnected with...

Traders continue to focus on the efforts packers around the country are making to ensure safe working conditions and get plants back running through the upcoming days. The hope that increased plant stability will stabilize meat...

Firm gains have slowly but consistently moved into livestock trade as traders pick up where they left off Friday. The underlying pressure in outside markets is showing only limited uncertainty in livestock trade.