Live Cattle futures and Feeder Cattle futures finished higher.

Live Cattle futures opened with a significant gap higher this Friday, ultimately settling $1.65 higher at 237'25, though prices finished well below the intraday peak of 241. Feeder Cattle futures followed a similar pattern, ending the session at 367'42, up $3.35 but nearly $4.50 off the daily highs. Market participants pointed to reports of a potential executive order regarding increased beef imports as a primary driver for the late-session pullback. In the wholesale market, boxed beef remained firm with choice cuts rising $2.66 to 369.91. Meanwhile, Lean Hog futures saw a mixed session; the front-month April contract lost $0.42 to settle at 97.95, while deferred contracts maintained a steady upward grind. Daily slaughter was reported at 114,000 head, bringing the week-to-date total to 450,000. Additionally, the Live Cattle CVOL index showed a sharp increase in volatility, rising from 15.54 on Wednesday to 18.77 by Friday afternoon.