Live Cattle Futures Ease as Screwworm Facility Progresses

Live Cattle futures declined across the board as advancing progress on the new screwworm facility bolstered market confidence ahead of its scheduled April 2027 opening. A sharp jump in corn prices applied further downward pressure across the beef complex. The December Live Cattle contract fell $1.83 to settle at $217.37, while February bounced from session lows of $221.02. In Feeder Cattle futures, trading ended mixed as forecasts for reduced beef production contended with softer cash pricing. The January contract advanced $3.45 to $330.12, marking an $18 gain from Friday lows. Lean Hog futures held steady in sideways consolidation following the latest WASDE release. Stronger domestic pork demand projections helped counter weak export cutouts, lifting the December contract to a $56 close.