Hog futures rebound on technical buying after recent slump - CME
Beef rally stalls as US cattle futures slide on demand fears
21 April 2026
1 minute read
By: US cattle futures fell on Monday on profit-taking and technical selling following a recent rally, and on concerns about consumer demand for high-priced beef, Reuters reported, citing analysts.
Monday's selling also appeared tied to an upcoming visit by US Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to a port in Douglas, Arizona, where some traders believe she could announce plans to resume some livestock imports from Mexico.
A halt to feeder cattle imports from Mexico due to the spread of the New World screwworm pest south of the border has tightened cattle supplies in the United States and sent cattle and beef prices soaring.
Elevated beef prices have some traders worried that consumers may opt for cheaper pork or poultry during what is normally a strong demand period for beef.
"The funds are getting more concerned and less confident in the stability of the cattle market at these high levels," said Don Roose, president of US Commodities.
"We've got Mother's Day coming up, Derby Day, Memorial Day coming ahead. So this right here is your time to see if we're going to get it going."
Wholesale beef prices were sharply higher on Monday, with choice cuts climbing by $2.50 per hundredweight, while select cuts surged more than $7.00, according to USDA data. Beef packer margins, however, remained deep in the red.
CME June live cattle futures ended down 1.275 cents at 246.075 cents per pound. May feeder cattle fell for a fourth straight session and settled 4.175 cents lower at 361.100 cents per pound.
Lean hog futures rose in a short-covering and technical-buying bounce following a recent slump.
June lean hogs advanced for the first time in 10 sessions. The benchmark contract closed 0.675 cent higher at 101.725 cents per pound after hitting a four-month low on Friday.
