DTN Early Word Livestock Comments      01/21 05:59
   Weekend Profit Taking Expected in Hog Futures

   Cattle futures tried to follow through on Thursday's strength but there just
was not enough buyer interest after cash business was mostly done for the week.
Hog futures gapped higher with some contracts, leaving a gap as traders bought
into the market aggressively.

Robin Schmahl
DTN Contributing Analyst

   Cattle: Steady. Futures: Mixed. Live Equiv: $218.59 +$1.17*

   Hogs: Lower. Futures: Mixed. Lean Equiv: $99.19 -$3.23**

   *Based on formula estimating live cattle equivalent of gross packer revenue.
(The Live Cattle Equiv. Index has been updated to depict recent changes in live
cattle weights and grading percentages.)

   ** based on formula estimating lean hog equivalent of gross packer revenue.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

   Boxed beef prices continued higher but that was not enough to support the
market after cash traded generally steady for the week. Traders are cautious
over the potential for cash prices over the next few weeks. The market looks
more bullish over the long term, but with packers purchasing the required
cattle for immediate slaughter as well as for the next few weeks, it leaves the
market with potentially limited upside. Boxed beef prices continue higher, but
that is not translating into cash prices. Heavier cattle weights and plentiful
supply for the near term leaves the market is the position of limited upside.
Trading activity may be two-sided as the market moves into the weekend.