Spencer, IA: (Jan. 04, 2012) - Live Cattle futures ended 2011 up just over 14 percent (14.1%), the fourth annual gain in the past five years, as tight cattle supplies sent cash prices to record highs.

 

Cash cattle hit an all-time high of $127 per cwt in response to solid beef exports. Cattle futures peaked in November at $125.37.

 

Analysts say the residual impact from the drought in the Southwest and the smallest cattle herd since the 1950’s should underpin prices this year.

 

Lean Hog futures finished 2011 up nearly 6-percent (5.9%) to post annual gains for four straight years.  Hog futures surged to an all-time high at $107.17 in mid-August as hot weather shrunk pork supplies during the latter half of the grilling season.