DTN Early Word Opening Livestock 02/14 06:18

DTN Early Word Opening Livestock 02/14 06:18 Livestock Futures Searching for Market Love Mixed trade is expected to be seen early Valentine's Day as traders look for renewed stability in lean hog trade, while cattle markets struggle to rekindle early-week support. By Rick Kment DTN Analyst Cattle: Steady Futures: Lower Live Equiv $144.26 -0.52* Hogs: Steady to ___FCKpd___0.50 Lower Futures: Higher Lean Equiv $ 68.38 -1.34** * based on formula estimating live cattle equivalent of gross packer revenue ** based on formula estimating lean hog equivalent of gross packer revenue GENERAL COMMENTS: Limited interest is expected to develop in early cash cattle markets with bids expected to start out in the similar pattern as Wednesday with bids of $122 live and $200 dressed. This is still not in the ballpark of what feeders will accept, likely allowing the back and forth to move into Friday without a major market disruption before then. Futures trade is expected generally weak with the pressure in the complex Wednesday creating limited interest of regaining early week support. But the sense of love in the air surrounding Valentine's Day is creating a hope that cupid can revive the market with firm gains stepping back into the complex. Even though active beef demand support is expected to continue to develop through spring months, the limited activity over the last couple of trading sessions is allowing for contracts to wander within a moderate trading range.