Fat cattle consolidates firmness

Fat cattle prices continued to show strength in Brazil’s main livestock regions. The @ of fat cattle in the average of the exporting states rose 3% over the past week, reaching R$ 296 (+R$/@ 8).

According to Scot, “China cattle” gained R$ 2.00 on Monday in the São Paulo market, with the @ quoted at R$ 315 both spot and forward—about R$/@ 5 above the regular fat cattle price (R$ 310). Bookings at plants remain at a national average of seven days.

In the wholesale market, the beginning of the month boosted sales of bone-in beef, supporting a price increase for carcasses. The steer carcass rose 1.2%, reaching R$/kg 21.40. Female carcasses also appreciated: cow carcasses rose 1.3% to R$/kg 19.00, and heifer carcasses increased 1.5% to R$/kg 19.80.