“Shootin’ The Bull”

End of Day Market Recap

by Christopher B. Swift

​4/14/2025

Live Cattle:

Not much seemed to change over the weekend.  Cattle feeders lost approximately $42.00 per head from one week to the next.  While still profitable, at that rate of decline, it wouldn't take long to be back in the red.  Reliance on an ever-higher price continues to be the agenda as feeder cattle prices continue to outstrip fat prices with other inputs no better or worse today.  Trade guesses for the on-feed report are as anticipated.  The placements were sharply higher over February with still anticipated over 11.5 million head on feed.      

Feeder Cattle:  

​Cattle feeders continue to push forward with the agenda to place cattle, regardless of price, and profit margin reliance upon an ever-increasing price. Futures were higher with a gap up and some nearing the gap down left a week or so ago.  The past 6 weeks have seen some of the more stupendous trading, price ranges, and volatility not seen since the 2013 & 2014 time frames.  As you chose your battles wisely, consider how much risk you are assuming, how much you wish someone else to assume and what you are willing to pay for.  Unknowing of how far one will go to remain in the cattle business, or how deep the pockets are of those attempting to grow market share, suggests anticipating a great deal more volatility.  ​

Corn:

​ Corn finally took a little breather today. A trade under $4.90 will be viewed as a buying opportunity.  I expect corn to continue to firm.​​

Energy/Bonds:

Energy was higher, but not by much. The products led the way.  With energy having made 4 year lows last week, I perceive this as a good time frame to book further fuel needs.  Bonds were higher, but the massive price range last week leaves a lot of room for sideways trading.  ​

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 “This is intended to be or is in the nature of a solicitation.”  Futures trading is not for everyone. The risk of loss in trading futures can be substantial; therefore, carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and there is no assurance that your trading experience will be similar to the past performance.