DTN Early Word Opening Livestock 02/15 06:21

DTN Early Word Opening Livestock 02/15 06:21 Hog Futures Test Support Limited pressure may slowly develop through lean hog trade Friday morning as traders focus on fundamental market weakness. By Rick Kment DTN Analyst Cattle: Steady Futures: Mixed Live Equiv $143.72 -0.54* Hogs: Steady to 50 cents Lower Futures: Lower Lean Equiv $67.26 -1.12** * based on formula estimating live cattle equivalent of gross packer revenue ** based on formula estimating lean hog equivalent of gross packer revenue GENERAL COMMENTS: Cash cattle trade has once again made it to the end of the week with limited to no market activity developing. Packers will once again have their hands full trying to buy cattle as they are expected to remain extremely short bought once again. Bids are expected to start similar to earlier offers, at $122 live and $198 to $200. But without a major shakeup in futures trade or outside markets, feedlot managers are unlikely to show any interest. Asking prices are holding at $126 to $127 live and $203 and higher dressed. At this point, it could be late in the day before most trades are in the book. Futures trade is expected mixed with the late day support seen Thursday bringing some underlying strength to the market. End-of-week positioning is expected to be the main order of business most of the day Friday as traders may continue to wander in the current market range.