DTN Early Word Livestock Comments      09/06 06:21
   Further Selling Likely Ahead of the Weekend

   Cattle futures were hit rather hard Thursday but did not suffer the losses
that might have been anticipated. The discovery of anthrax in Wyoming
circulated in the market and cash traded lower. Hog futures could not gain any
footing due to cash and cutout weakness.

Robin Schmahl
DTN Contributing Analyst

   Cattle: Lower        Futures:  Lower       Live Equiv: $228.02 -$0.60*

   Hogs: Lower         Futures: Mixed       Lean Equiv: $100.95 -$0.42**

   *Based on the formula estimating live cattle equivalent of gross packer
revenue. (The Live Cattle Equiv. The 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:

   Traders sold futures in part because of the news circulating of the
discovery of Anthrax in Wyoming. This was the first confirmed infection in
cattle since 1970 in the state. The Wyoming state veterinarian reported 50
cattle had died with more losses possible. It appears to be confined to a
localized area. This may not be a problem if contained quickly, but the market
reacted negatively to the information. Cash cattle also traded $2.00 lower in
both the North and South. The market did not break completely but the pressure
might have been enough for further liquidation to continue Friday ahead of the
weekend. Boxed beef showed losses in both categories with choice down $0.09 and
select down $2.61.