Cattle futures closed lower Thursday with likely profit taking ahead of the long weekend.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $2.03 lower. Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.87 lower, except for 55¢ higher in expiring Aug.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was moderate on moderate demand in Kansas through Thursday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were $2 higher at $242/cwt.

Elsewhere, trade was mostly inactive on moderate demand. Last week, FOB live prices were $240 in the Texas Panhandle and $245 in the North. Dressed delivered prices were $385-$392 in Nebraska and $385-$390 in the western Corn Belt on a light test.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was $2.57 higher Thursday afternoon at $414.41. Select was $1.87 lower at $385.84.

Weekly net U.S. beef sales for 2025 the week ending Aug. 21 of 13,600 metric tons were 34% more than the previous week and 40% more than the prior four-week average. Increases were primarily for Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Mexico and Taiwan.

Grain and Soybean futures strengthened Thursday on likely month-end short covering. 

Toward the close and through away Jly contracts, Corn futures were 4¢ to 5¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 2¢ to 3¢ higher. Soybean futures fractionally mixed to 2¢ higher.