Live Cattle futures recover as USDA ramps up screwworm efforts.

In the livestock sector, Cattle futures staged a strong recovery today, with Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle futures posting solid gains across the board. August Live Cattle futures closed 2.97 higher at 239.70, while August Feeder Cattle futures rose 3.45 to 354.10. Conversely, Lean Hog futures maintained a softer tone, with the July contract falling 1.22 to 96.15. Market participants digested a mixed wholesale boxed beef report and steady average prices for live steers, alongside a daily slaughter count of 102,000 head, which is 10,000 fewer than the previous year. Meanwhile, screwworm cases in the U.S. remain a major focal point. Reports are increasing, though cases are currently isolated to Texas. The USDA is actively implementing quarantine zones and boosting surveillance efforts to mitigate the spread as analysts monitor the trend heading into the summer months.