Cattle futures started Friday’s session lower with traders apparently taking some profits from the week’s bullish gains. Then cash fed cattle trade erupted with significantly higher prices and futures were off to the races again.

Live Cattle futures closed an average of $2.45 higher. Feeder Cattle futures closed an average of $2.96 higher.

Negotiated cash fed cattle trade ranged from moderate on moderate demand in North to mostly inactive on moderate demand in the Southern Plains through Friday afternoon, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Based on the last established trades reported for the week, FOB live prices were $4-$5 higher in Nebraska at $234-$235/cwt. and $2-$5 higher in the western Corn Belt at $232-$235. Dressed delivered prices were $2 higher in Nebraska at $362. There were also some dressed delivered trades in the Western Corn Belt at $362, but too few to trend; price the previous week was $360.

FOB live prices in the Southern Plains the previous week were $232-$233.

Choice boxed beef cutout value was 35¢ higher Friday afternoon at $365.57/cwt. Select was $2.06 higher at $346.39.

Soybean futures sank Friday in response to heightened trade tensions between China and the U.S. cast further doubt about a resolution between the two countries, which might lead to increased pressure on U.S. agricultural commodity exports.

Soybean futures closed mostly 10¢ to 15¢ lower.  Corn futures closed 4¢ to 5¢ lower through Jly ’26 and then 1¢ to 2¢ lower. KC HRW Wheat closed mostly 6¢ lower.