Cme cattle futures gained in early trading as traders

CME cattle futures gained in early trading as traders reacted to reports of strong export shipments to Asia. Coupled with steady domestic demand, analysts forecast potential retests of recent contract highs. Oct 25 Live Cattle  closed at $230.525, down $0.575, America’s cattle industry is juggling challenges on nearly every front. CME futures reflected those pressures, with December live cattle contracts dropping midweek, while November feeder cattle held steady or moved up—showing a tug-of-war between supply worries now versus later. The main culprit is the screwworm parasite, up nearly a third in Mexico this year and inching closer to US herds, raising the risk that the border stays closed to Mexican cattle imports. The FDA just greenlit Dectomax-CA1, an injectable screwworm treatment, though rolling it out could take time. Meanwhile, shifting demand showed up in USDA data: select beef cuts are getting pricier, while top-tier choice cuts have cooled. And with the government shutdown pausing regular USDA reports, traders are left reading between the lines on market signals. CME cattle futures edged higher following bullish technical signals, with key resistance near $179.00 for April delivery being tested. Short coverings and fresh buying are evident amid solid market fundamentals.