This week in the markets – Live cattle ended the week $2.50 higher. Another slow week of feeder cattle auctions due to the holiday, and not enough information is available for a comparable test. February live cattle futures contract closed nearly $2 lower this week as did the January feeder cattle futures contract. The Choice Box Beef price lost $1 this week, it now sets more than $6.50 lower than year-ago levels. Cash barrow and gilt prices rose $.70 this week, while the February lean hog futures contract closed nearly $2 lower. The pork cutout value lost $2 this week, primarily on weakness in bellies.
Phase One Deal with China – A date has been signed. But…
The US – Japan Trade deal has started implementation – Scott outlines what we can expect to see.
Next week’s reports: Monthly Trade Data, WASDE and Jobs Reports come out on Friday

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