U.S. livestock: Cattle strengthen Tuesday

Cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Alternate have been stronger on Tuesday, with chilly temperatures hitting the northern U.S. Plains and Corn Belt lending some assist to the futures.

The February dwell cattle contract gained 4.875 cents per pound at 220.005 cents. Feeder cattle have been up 8.800 cents within the January contract at 329.875 cents per pound.

The U.S. Division of Agriculture reported wholesale boxed beef costs have been weaker, with alternative packing containers down $4.17 at $364.72 per hundredweight and choose packing containers down $7.10 at $350.78/cwt.

EU vets in Barcelona for swine fever outbreak as cases rise to nine

A task force of EU vets specializing in epidemics began work in Barcelona on Tuesday to help contain an African swine fever outbreak as Spain said the number of wild boars found infected with the virus rose to nine.

Lean hog costs have been down 0.125 cents per pound within the February contract at 80.175 cents per pound. Market members have been mentioned to be exhibiting some warning as they digest information of the African swine fever outbreak in Spain. The European nation is a serious world pork exporter and if the outbreak will not be contained it could result in elevated demand for U.S. pork.