Cattle futures hit highs as USDA halts Mexico imports - CME Lean hog futures dip as beef prices surge on import halt11 July 2025 11 July 2025 2 minute read 2 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media North AmericaChicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle and feeder cattle futures hit contract highs on Thursday after the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) again halted livestock imports from Mexico over the spread of the devastating New World screwworm pest, reported Reuters. The halt will contribute to rising beef prices by tightening cattle supplies, which dwindled after drought forced ranchers to slash herds, analysts said. CME August live cattle futures reached a contract high of 222.500 cents per pound before pulling back to close down 0.55 cent at 219.225 cents per pound. August feeder cattle ended up 0.8 cent at 321.275 cents per pound and earlier set a contract high at 326.875 cents. US wholesale boxed beef prices fell for a second day.