Cattle markets climb as grilling season approaches - CME Lean hog futures continue to slide9 May 2025 9 May 2025 2 minute read 2 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media North AmericaChicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) live cattle and feeder cattle rose on Thursday, as demand surged ahead of Mother's Day and the start of grilling season, Reuters reported, citing analysts. A tight cattle supply and strong demand from consumers and retailers has propelled cattle futures higher, while hog futures chopped sideways amid a lack of fresh news and lackluster demand. CME June live cattle futures settled 1.725 cents higher at 214.25 cents per pound. Meanwhile, rising equities markets have also buoyed cattle futures. Spread trading, which involves traders buying cattle contracts and selling lean hog contracts, contributed to the slide in hog futures on Thursday, Wiegand said.