Rick Kment

Narrowly mixed price moves have trickled into the lightly traded livestock market with the few traders who bothered to return following Thanksgiving looking to adjust positions ahead of the weekend.

Quiet trade is expected most of the morning Friday as futures markets will trade on a holiday abbreviated schedule with limited market volume expected due to most traders still absent until Monday.

Traders appear to be starting the Thanksgiving holiday early with very limited movement or market volume seen early Wednesday in all livestock markets. It could remain a sluggish and uneventful day ahead of the market holiday...

Early week trade has been positive across cattle futures as traders continue to focus on outside market optimism and how COVID-19 vaccine hopes can stimulate beef demand through the upcoming months.

Following aggressive cattle gains Monday, buyers are quick to jump back into the market Tuesday, adding expectations of additional pre-holiday gains in all cattle trade. Hog futures are mixed in a narrow to moderate range with...

Renewed buyer support following Monday's market rally is expected to create underlying firmness in most livestock trade. But given the limited holiday week trade volumes, the development of outside market pressure Tuesday morning...

Livestock futures are posting triple-digit gains Monday. Cattle futures are higher after a bullish on-feed report, while spillover buying has boosted hog futures.

Last Friday's release of the Nov. 1 Cattle on Feed report came in slightly below pre-report estimates and is likely to be viewed neutral to slightly bullish despite the continued large number of cattle within the system.

Narrowly mixed trade is developing early Friday morning with traders trying to bring a sense of stability back into the market. The aggressive losses Thursday were met with limited early trader volume Friday morning.

Livestock markets continue to reel from the aggressive losses that developed Thursday as traders discount recent market support surrounding uncertainty in demand growth and the upcoming afternoon Cattle on Feed report.

Lean hog futures are feeling pressure Thursday morning. This is testing short-term support and adding concerns of additional potential losses through the end of the month.

Limited volume early Thursday morning is expected to create mixed market prices, as traders continue to focus on outside markets and upcoming reports as they enter the complex. Aggressive feeder cattle losses Wednesday led by...

Livestock futures remain extremely quiet early Wednesday morning with mixed trade allowing prices to shift to either side of unchanged within a narrow range. This limited early market intensity may continue to keep most traders on...

Underlying support in wholesale beef values continues to develop across the entire complex following strong triple-digit gains in choice and select beef cuts Tuesday. This underlying fundamental support is likely to draw additional...

Active buying interest quickly moved into nearby lean hog futures, setting a firmer tone for the entire livestock complex Tuesday morning. The ability to move away from early week lows is creating some additional hope for gains in...

Following mixed trade Monday, traders appear to be focusing on regaining market stability following last Friday's price pressure. The ability to maintain prices within the current ranges ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday next week is...

Buyers trickled into cattle futures early Monday morning with the focus on covering short positions which were established late last week. The concern that Friday's shift lower may change longer-term market direction is causing...

Early trade in cattle and hog futures is expected to focus on adjusting following the aggressive late week losses Friday. This may spark moderate-to-wide price swings driven by a combination of short-covering and follow-through...

Strong support in cash cattle trade Thursday is solidifying the underlying support through the entire complex. Although futures prices have eased at opening bell, the focus on building fundamental support is likely to limit downside...

Cash cattle markets have rallied higher during late week trade with traders hoping that "Friday the 13th" won't be able to displace the developing good fortune in the market.

Live cattle futures have continued to show increased underlying support during the week. Nearby contracts are testing October highs, which would likely spark follow-through buyer support over the next few trading sessions.

Lean hog futures have been the market to watch early Thursday morning as traders quickly move away from previous cattle and grain market gains and back into lean hog futures.

Livestock futures have quickly broken away from the aggressive early week gains with prices mixed in a very narrow range. The lack of activity may keep prices in the current trading range with a combination of follow-through...

Aggressive gains in livestock trade during the day Monday sparked renewed buyer support across both cattle and hog futures. The combined focus on surging futures prices and elevated meat values is building the framework for...

Livestock futures surged higher. Aggressive buying in most outside markets quickly followed an announcement about positive COVID 19 vacination trials. Triple-digit gains in cattle and hog futures are keeping markets optimistic at...

Sharp losses in lean hog trade late last week, and wide market swings in outside overnight trade is setting up potential widespread market adjustments in cattle and hog futures Monday morning.

Narrow back-and-forth trade is seen across the livestock trade with traders adjusting to recent market futures market support. The focus on end of the week positioning appears to be the driver of early trade Friday.

Follow-through buyer support is expected to trickle into the complex Friday morning as traders adjust to the recent market support developing in live cattle and lean hog futures. End-of-week...

Active gains in feeder cattle and lean hog futures midweek sparked renewed optimism through the entire complex. Traders will continue to focus on outside market direction as well as growing COVID-19 case numbers as this has the...

Markets remain quiet with cattle trade mixed to mostly lower, while limited buyer is attempting to redevelop in lean hog futures. This could further limit active trade volume through the day.

Traders continue to focus on attempts to protect the price momentum from last week but limited additional buyer interest continues to spark uncertainty through the entire complex.

Market stability is seen across all livestock trade early Tuesday morning. The overall lack of trade volume and narrow price moves may set the tone for a very sluggish market day as traders continue to closely focus on election...

Similar to most other markets, livestock trade is expected to be tuned into election coverage Tuesday as the focus on the upcoming presidential choice will likely overshadow fundamental market moves most of the day.

Light to moderate losses are scattered through the livestock market. Although triple-digit pressure is evident in hog futures following additional pork value losses last week, cattle markets are holding limited losses in early week...

Traders are returning from the weekend with the expectation that further moderate buyer support will slowly develop in cattle trade. The lack of active cash markets last week is expected to keep packers searching for additional...

Active contracts of cattle and feeders are steady to lower and hogs are trading lower to start the week. Friday's on-feed report was bearish for cattle prices, but the early arrival of winter weather may offer some support...

Traders focused on short-covering opportunities early Friday morning following moderate to sharp losses over the last couple of days. This could add further buying interest as the session continues.

Lean hog futures will have access to expanded trading limits of $4.50 per cwt lower as nearby contracts test support levels and appear to be retracting active support seen the month of October. Cattle market weakness is likely...

Early mixed price levels have not offset the weaker tone sweeping across the complex during late week trade. This could spark additional market losses in the coming days.

The underlying pressure in livestock trade is allowing for significant market shifts through the day, but generally weaker market prices at closing bell. This will likely continue over the next couple of days with traders struggling...

Buyers quickly lined up at opening bell, helping to post moderate to strong gains in nearby lean hog and feeder cattle trade. The focus stability moving back into the complex is a good first sign cattle futures are able to regain...

Following extremely volatile price shifts in all livestock contracts over the last two trading sessions, cattle futures appear to be regaining much needed market stability. This may restart limited...

Initial buying is seen in most cattle futures contracts as traders quickly cover short positions. It is still uncertain just how deep buyer interest remains and if this will be able to hold prices higher through the entire session.

Cattle markets saw further technical destruction with near limit losses Monday, creating the expectation of additional early losses Tuesday. Increased volatility is likely to redevelop, leaving early trade sluggish as traders get a...

Trade early Monday is narrowly mixed with very narrow price shifts seen in live cattle and lean hog futures. The recent price shifts in cattle trade over the last two weeks has created growing uneasiness through the entire complex.

Following a $3.97 per cwt loss in December live cattle futures last week, the cattle complex is desperate to find underlying support in order to stabilize cattle trade. Limited market activity is expected Monday, but early moves...

Firm early pressure in live cattle and feeder cattle trade has sparked renewed concern of late-week liquidation across the complex. Traders will closely monitor the direction of meat values and outside markets, but cattle futures...

Sharp triple-digit gains in pork cutout and higher cash hog values is creating additional momentum in lean hog futures as traders await the weekly export sales report. Expectations of a strong week of export sales is sparking...

Pressure in nearby live cattle trade is focused on previous market erosion during the week. Firm gains are slowly but steadily moving back into lean hog futures with spot December futures leading the shift higher.

Cash cattle trade broke away from the recent trend of higher price levels midweek with light trade posting weaker prices compared to last week's average. Growing concern of beef cutout erosion is also adding to the weaker...

Lean hog futures are showing the most aggressive buyer interest Wednesday morning with December futures posting triple-digit gains based partially on recent strength in pork values. Follow-through cattle buying has helped to limit...

The ability to bounce cattle futures higher Tuesday created much-needed emotional support to the cattle complex, although market uncertainty continues given the lack of support in beef values over the last couple of weeks.

Buyer interest has steadily moved into all cattle markets as buyers try to adjust to the sharp losses in live cattle futures Monday. Firm buyer support remains, although there is uncertainty how much additional price recovery may...

Following the largest 1-day loss since early summer, live cattle futures are searching for support as traders try to assess the long-term damage done to the market during Monday's market retraction.

Livestock and most futures markets are trading Monday despite government offices and financial institutions closed for Columbus Day. Limited trade volume is expected Monday, likely limiting market direction cattle and hog futures.

The late-week strength in cash cattle trade Friday is expected to add stability to the cattle futures complex during early week trade. Hog futures continue to focus on building export demand, maintaining recent price rallies.

Active pressure in feeder cattle futures quickly redeveloped, as concerns of further grain market support is quickly pulling any previous buyer support away from the cattle market. Hog futures remain mixed in a narrow range...

Firm technical support was established in lean hog futures trade Thursday following positive export sales results. This has traders focusing on further end-of-the-week support. Escalating grain prices continue to keep cattle...

Triple-digit gains quickly developed in lean hog futures following the announcement of strong export sales to China last week. This sparked underlying support in all nearby contracts, although higher feed prices are limiting buyer...

Cattle futures staged an abrupt market turnaround Wednesday, closing firmly higher in feeder cattle futures and posting triple-digit gains in December live cattle trade. Renewed life in nearby futures is testing September highs in...

Continued early support in corn prices have kept feeder cattle futures on the ropes once again with nearby contacts posting triple-digit losses Wednesday morning. The higher costs of production is affecting all cattle trade, and...

Follow-through pressure in cattle futures is expected as active gains in grain and feed prices keep traders concerned about short- and long-term production costs. Feeder cattle trade is likely to continue to lead trade during...

Follow-through support quickly moved into cattle and hog trade Tuesday morning as narrow but supportive early-week gains helped to regain commercial buyer support. This upward support is creating longer-term firmness to traders...

Traders slowly but steadily backed away from the significant pressure seen late last week as limited but uniform buying moved back into the livestock complex during early week trade. The potential to focus on further meat market...

Initial activity Monday morning is being driven by short covering in cattle and hog futures, while the cattle market is showing the most aggressive support as buyers step back into the complex.

Last week's divergence between cash cattle and futures prices is creating moderate uncertainty in complex, as traders continue to balance current and short-term supply levels with beef demand. Limited early trade is likely but...

Active selling developed Friday morning in feeder cattle futures with triple-digit losses flooding the complex. Support is moving into lean hog futures following strong gains in pork values Thursday.

Cash cattle prices continue to firm through the week with prices generally $2 to $3 per cwt higher than last week. Although the tone is likely set for the week, some additional sales may continue to trickle into the market Friday.

Firm price support is redeveloping in live cattle futures with traders focusing on cash market strength and the ability to stabilize feeder cattle trade.

Despite moving into the fourth quarter and turning the calendar page to October, traders remain uncertain about short-term market support as questions of economic strength and consumer meat demand adds significant market...

Livestock markets appear to need another cup of coffee before showing significant movement or direction, as lethargic activity is seen across the entire complex with narrow trading ranges limiting interest.

Strong gains Tuesday in cattle futures opens the door for additional but strong spillover buying to develop Wednesday. Traders are also focused on end of the month and quarter positioning, which will break away from typical...

Strong early gains moved into cattle futures with feeder cattle buying leading the market higher as traders back away from previous losses. Mixed trade in hog futures creates growing uncertainty of market direction.

Following limited activity and mixed price shifts Monday, traders seem to be reverting to a more stable short-term pattern at the end of the month. With no significant reports or outside market shifts expected, cattle and hog...

Cattle futures have posted light to moderate losses as traders add to the market weakness seen Friday following the larger than expected placement and inventory levels in Friday's report. Hog futures are mixed with directional...

Friday's Cattle on Feed report is viewed bearish following larger-than-expected placements and overall cattle inventory levels, but given the move lower Friday in cattle futures, it is uncertain just how much downward pressure may...

Hog futures traded firmly lower during initial trade, but sellig pressure quickly fizzled out, allowing for aggressive price gains in spot October futures. Cattle trade remains under pressure with traders looking for direction from...

Stronger cash cattle trade Thursday helped to offset growing concerns of further immediate pressure through the livestock complex at the end of the month. Cattle traders will focus on the upcoming Cattle on Feed report. While...

The lack of exuberant news in the weekly export sales report left hog futures slightly disappointed Thursday morning. Although exports were far from "bad" the lack of aggressive increases dampened optimism through the hog complex.

Lean hog trade will focus on the release of two significant reports Thursday. The weekly Export Sales report will start the day, and ending the day with the quarterly Hogs and Pigs report at 2 p.m. This could create moderate hog...

Support has quickly moved into the cattle complex with traders adjusting positions after the early-week selloff. The focus on potentially higher cash cattle trade by the end of the week is sparking increased underlying support...

Firm support in lean hog futures Tuesday is expected to create underlying support as technical support is developing due to trading focusing on potential export pork demand through the upcoming weeks.

Lack of follow-through pressure in outside markets has rekindled buyer support in all lean hog trade as nearby contracts have held aggressive triple-digit gains at opening bell. Cattle futures are mixed with limited support seen...

The report-filled week consisting of the release of Cold Storage Report, Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report, and Cattle on Feed Report will likely keep traders focusing on market fundamentals through the rest of the week.

Firm losses in outside markets Monday morning quickly changed the tone of livestock trade at opening bell. This developing pressure continues to add concerns that widespread liquidation may develop.

The bounce in cash cattle trade is creating additional expectations for additional support through the end of September. This is likely to focus on trader's positioning for further cash price gains later in the week.

Prices are mixed in cattle and hog futures early Friday morning. Although most of the focus remains in lean hog trade, the lack of active price movement in all markets could limit trader activity through the rest of the week.

Lean hog markets continue to remain in the spotlight with the focus on changes in global demand sparking additional interest in U.S. pork. Underlying support is expected to continue through the end of the week, potentially helping...

Active pork purchases heading to China last week shaped active gains in nearby lean hog futures Thursday morning. This rekindled underlying bullish market support based on the potential to continue to expand pork sales over the...

Firm pressure in feeder cattle futures midweek has started to create some additional concern of further support in the cattle market during late September. Although at this point, prices remain well within the wide sideways trend...

Aggressive gains in wholesale pork values Tuesday afternoon has gained the attention of most hog traders as they focus on the confirmation that pork prices are quickly following recent futures gains higher. This could rekindle...

Uncertainty about whether cash cattle trade will follow through the recent price surge in futures trade is leaving markets sluggish midweek. Hog traders are trying to establish a new market range given the changing export market...

Strong gains have redeveloped in lean hog trade as the underlying optimism in the complex offsetting early week price adjustments. Longer term market optimism will continue to be countered with traders taking profits following...

Price retractions in lean hog futures Monday focused on the uncertainty of just how much fundamental or technical support will hold as export adjustments develop surrounding Germany's African swine fever case. Cattle futures...

Firm underlying support is slowly but steadily developing in cattle trade Monday morning. The ability to regain buyer support has helped add technical momentum to the complex during early week trade. Hog futures are mixed as...

Underlying support is expected to redevelop in lean hog futures as traders continue to focus on long-term implications of export demand shifts over the coming weeks and months. But traders are also looking for opportunities to...

Expanded trading limits are being used in spot October lean hog futures as traders push prices above $68 per cwt. This support in hog trade is becoming more centered in nearby contracts as questions of long-term market...

The confirmation Thursday of an African swine fever case in Germany sparked widespread market support in lean hog futures as South Korea was the first country to announce bans on pork from the country. This added significant...

Limit gains in lean hog futures have sparked underlying support in all livestock markets. Reports that South Korea is implementing a ban on German pork following a African Swine Fever case in Germany is giving new life to the hog...

Lean hog futures posted short-term highs in all nearby contracts Wednesday, sparking expectations of further buyer support through the week. Concern that further follow-through selling in cattle futures is developing as cash...

Light to moderate losses have slowly developed in nearby cattle futures with most of the focus on nearby live cattle trade Wednesday morning. Follow-through support in hog futures is sustaining previous momentum, but limiting...

The ability to push cattle futures higher Tuesday is creating underlying optimism through the live cattle and feeder cattle complex Wednesday morning. The focus on breaking away from traditional market seasonality in a year that...

Mixed trade is seen early Tuesday morning as traders eagerly step back into the complex following a long holiday weekend. The limited volume seen last week in front of the holiday has allowed for increased market activity in cattle...

The inability to stop the downward sliding prices in live cattle and feeder cattle has allowed for light to moderate pressure to redevelop at opening bell. This could spark renewed uncertainty through the end of the week. Hog...

Given limited activity in livestock trade and a long holiday weekend ahead, further market swings are very possible without any significant change in long-term fundamental or technical factors. This could lead to another round of...

Cattle futures are shifting lower despite limited trade volume. The overall lack of market activity is having the greatest impact on nearby live cattle futures. Hog futures are mixed in a narrow but sideways range Wednesday.

Narrow gains Tuesday in cattle trade is expected to create market stability as traders focus more on holiday positioning and long-term demand than day-to-day market shifts. Limited activity is likely to be seen through most of...

Livestock futures have bounced higher as traders move into September. Limited overall volume is seen through the entire complex, with expectations that prices will remain generally stable through most of the week. But the higher...

Following strong pressure over the last week in all livestock trade, traders move into the month of September with concern that the weaker trend will continue. Limited activity through the rest of the week is expected with...

Trade interest remains sluggish early Monday morning as traders returned following sharp Friday losses, but seem to be focused more on position squaring than continuing weaker trends that started last week. Narrow market moves...

Limited support is expected to develop early Monday in cattle or hog futures as traders continue to focus on end-of-month position-taking and concerns that additional pressure may develop ahead of the Labor Day weekend. Trade...