Live Cattle Steady

Thursday's USDA cattle slaughter was 108,000 head versus a year ago at 119,000 head. The USDA weekly beef export sales of 13,900 tonnes, exports are down 5.8% on average versus last year. The USDA reported weekly beef production at 441.1 million pounds a little over 2 % higher than a year ago. Live cattle futures are trading steady Thursday morning. April Live Cattle last check was trading at 149.72 near unchanged. June Live Cattle was trading at 142.65 ,down 0.30. Market talk about the futures discount to Cash markets has been supportive. Trading is expected to be choppy after Yesterday's sharp move higher.