Cattle futures firm on strong wholesale beef prices - CME August lean hog futures settle higher11 August 2026 11 August 2026 1 minute read 1 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media North AmericaChicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle futures firmed on Monday, helped by a jump in wholesale beef prices, although last week's soft jobs report added to skepticism about whether consumers will continue buying beef at high prices, Reuters reported, citing analysts. Beef wholesale prices firmed, an indication of stronger consumer demand. The trade was surprised by the strong wholesale beef report," said Rich Nelson, chief strategist at Allendale. CME August live cattle futures settled up 1.575 cents to 233.275 cents per pound. Feeder cattle futures weakened as market players anticipated the re-opening of southern cattle ports to Mexican cattle beginning on August 24, which would expand the calf and cattle supply in the US.