Live Cattle Futures & Options
Live cattle futures price finished, slaughter-ready animals — the point where feed costs, packer margins, and boxed-beef demand settle into one number.
Trading the Live Cattle Contract
Live cattle, feeder cattle, and lean hogs.
Livestock producers face squeezed margins from both sides — feed costs rise while finished-animal prices fluctuate. Forward contracts lock in profitable margins without futures-market complexity.
Whether you hedge commercial exposure or study the market, you do not have to figure it out alone. AgriculturalHedging.com's education library explains the contract and its risks, and its partner network connects you with qualified, registered organizations that serve live cattle markets.
Find a Qualified ProviderContract Specifications
| Exchange | CME®-G |
|---|---|
| Contract Size | 40,000 lbs. |
| Contract Months | G, J, M, Q, V, Z (February, April, June, August, October, December) |
| Trading Hours | 9:30-14:00 |
| Minimum Fluctuation | 2.5¢/cwt. = $10.00 |
| Daily Limit | 3¢/lb. = $1200 |
Contract specifications change. Always confirm current specs with the exchange before trading.
Tools & Resources
More Livestock Markets
Live Cattle Futures FAQ
What is the Live Cattle futures contract?
Live cattle futures price finished, slaughter-ready animals — the point where feed costs, packer margins, and boxed-beef demand settle into one number. The contract trades on CME®-G with a contract size of 40,000 lbs..
How can I hedge Live Cattle price risk?
Livestock producers face squeezed margins from both sides — feed costs rise while finished-animal prices fluctuate. Forward contracts lock in profitable margins without futures-market complexity. Qualified hedging providers can be found through the AgriculturalHedging.com partner network.
How do I start trading Live Cattle futures?
Futures accounts are opened with registered firms — futures commission merchants and introducing brokers. AgriculturalHedging.com explains the contract, the margin, and the risks so you can evaluate providers and get started prepared.
Learn or Hedge Live Cattle with Qualified Help
AgriculturalHedging.com turns commodity complexity into plain language — and connects you with registered organizations that serve live cattle markets.