Cattle futures rise as stronger cash trade supports CME livestock markets
CME cattle futures rebounded Thursday as stronger cash markets supported prices, although concerns over consumer demand and high beef costs continue to weigh on livestock.
CHICAGO - U.S. cattle futures moved higher Thursday, Aug. 27, in a technical rebound from recent lows, supported by firmer cash cattle trade, Reuters reported. CME live and feeder cattle contracts posted gains, providing some relief to livestock markets after recent weakness. The recovery matters for U.S. cattle producers because it comes as high retail beef prices, softer consumer confidence and changes in federal beef import policy create new uncertainty over demand and cattle values.
Livestock prices: CME futures and wholesale meat
| Market | Latest price | Daily move |
|---|---|---|
| CME October live cattle | 212.925¢/lb. | +2.15¢ |
| CME September feeder cattle | 322.45¢/lb. | +3.45¢ |
| USDA Choice boxed beef | $383.47/cwt | -$1.66 |
| USDA Select boxed beef | $360.13/cwt | -$2.55 |
| USDA wholesale pork carcass | $94.09/cwt | -$1.46 |
| CME October lean hogs | 80.625¢/lb. | -0.275¢ |
Source: Reuters, CME and USDA data reported Aug. 27, 2026.
The gains in cattle contrasted with weakness in wholesale beef. USDA Choice boxed beef declined to $383.47 per cwt, while Select fell to $360.13, suggesting that elevated prices continue to test consumer demand. Reuters cited Brugler Marketing analyst Austin Schroeder as saying overall consumer demand remains acceptable but is not particularly strong. That concern has increased after U.S. consumer confidence fell in August to its lowest level in seven months, potentially limiting household willingness to pay for beef, traditionally one of the more expensive proteins.
Beef imports add another variable for U.S. cattle producers
The livestock market is also assessing President Donald Trump's decision Wednesday to temporarily increase imports of lean beef trimmings at a lower tariff rate. According to the White House measure reported by Reuters, the quota will increase by 300,000 metric tons for 90 days beginning Sept. 1, with the administration seeking to address what it described as unreasonably high beef prices. U.S. farm and ranch organizations have strongly opposed the move amid concerns about its potential impact on domestic cattle markets.
Hog futures, meanwhile, remained under pressure. The most actively traded CME October lean hog contract finished at 80.625 cents per pound, down 0.275 cent, while USDA wholesale pork carcass values dropped $1.46 to $94.09 per cwt. With Labor Day retail purchases largely completed, livestock markets are now likely to focus closely on consumer demand, cash cattle trade and wholesale meat values for direction.
