Live cattle futures posted gains of 37 to 67 cents at the close on Thursday. Cash trade saw some light $348-350 dressed action in the North so far this week as reported by USDA, with live sales at $219-220. Southern bids were reported at $226. The Thursday Fed Cattle Exchange online auction showed a couple lots sold at $226-227. Feeder cattle futures posted gains of $1.12 to $2.45 to be the leaders. The CME Feeder Cattle Index was 94 cents higher on September 28 to $338.97.
USDA Export Sales data showed 14,638 MT of beef sold in the week ending on 9/24 for 2026 and sales of 3 MT for 2027. Shipments were 12,628 MT in that week a 6-week high.