U.S. livestock: Cattle futures end week higher 

Cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Trade had been stronger on Friday, with positioning forward of a significant winter storm set to maneuver by way of the US offering help. 

• The February reside cattle contract gained 2.525 cents per pound at 234.900 cents. Feeder cattle had been up 0.900 cents within the March contract at 360.175 cents per pound.  
• Excessive chilly temperatures and precipitation starting from snow within the north to freezing rain within the south could disrupt cattle markets heading into subsequent week, accounting for a few of Friday’s exercise as contributors squared positions. 
• Positioning forward of the month-to-month cattle on feed report from the U.S. Division of Agriculture was one other function. The report was launched after the markets closed, with placements of 1.55 million head in December down 5 per cent from the identical month a yr in the past. 
• There have been a complete of 11.5 million head of cattle and calves on feed within the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2026. That was down three per cent from the earlier yr. 
• The USDA reported wholesale boxed beef costs had been blended, with selection bins up $1.25 at $368.70 per hundredweight and choose bins down $0.43 at $361.30/cwt within the morning report. 
• Lean hog costs had been weaker Friday, backing away from close by highs with the close by February futures down 0.125 cents per pound at 88.350 cents per pound and the April futures down 0.175 cents at 96.175 cents per pound.  

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