CME August live cattle futures settled down 1.250 cents at 209.750 cents per pound, turning lower after a climb to 212.850 cents, the contract's highest level since May 14. CME August feeder cattle ended down 0.525 cent at 301.225 cents per pound, also easing from a three-week top. Cattle futures fell abruptly at mid-session, with brokers citing rumors that one US meat-packing plant would cut back on production, a move that theoretically could reduce demand for market-ready cattle. "We've got cash markets which are floundering. So maybe we are nearing a top of some sort in futures," Nelson said.