Cattle futures bounced back Wednesday and recovered about half of the previous session’s losses which were tied to the kneejerk reaction to USDA’s announced plans to begin reopening the Mexican border to cattle imports as soon as next week.

Toward the close, Live cattle futures were an average of $1.58 higher.  Feeder Cattle futures were an average of $2.50 higher, except for $2.05 lower in the back contract.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade was light on moderate demand in the north through Wednesday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FOB live prices were steady to $2 lower in Nebraska at mostly $230/cwt. and $2 lower in the western Corn Belt at $230. Dressed delivered prices last week were mostly $368 in Nebraska and $368-$370 in the western Corn Belt.

Elsewhere, trade was inactive on light demand. FOB live prices last week were $223-$225/cwt. in the Texas Panhandle and $222-$225 in Kansas.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 74¢ lower Wednesday afternoon at $394.86. Select was 25¢ higher at $380.31.

Grain and Soybean futures were higher Wednesday with likely short covering and positioning ahead of the holiday weekend, also supported by positive trade news, given the U.S. deal with Vietnam.

Toward the close and through Mar ‘26 contracts, Corn futures were 10¢ to 12¢ higher. Kansas City Wheat futures were 9¢ to 12¢ higher. Soybean futures were 17¢ to 25¢ higher.