Cattle futures hit record highs before slipping back - CME Lean hog prices climb as slaughter rates disappoint21 July 2025 21 July 2025 2 minute read 2 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media North AmericaChicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle futures galloped to a new high on Friday due to firm US cash prices, traders said, before the market backpedaled, reported Reuters. CME August live cattle futures reached a contract high of 224.55 cents per pound before ending down 0.125 cent at 223.55 cents per pound. CME August feeder cattle futures slipped 1 cent to close at 324 cents per pound after setting highs last week. A recent setback in beef prices has hurt meatpackers as cash cattle prices have stayed strong. CME August lean hog futures ended up 0.65 cent at 106.475 cents per pound and set a one-week high.