CBOT futures closed stronger, led higher by the soybean complex. Spec funds were sizable buyers today.  Added support came from a tightening of the cash markets.  However, export sales reported this week were disappointing.

  Evidence that El Nino development is in question raises the risk that 2013 could be drier than normal.  This will be watched over the next few months.  

  Live Cattle futures closed slightly higher as traders expect cash cattle to bring better money this week. Boxed beef values are near steady today. Choice UP 0.10 at 196.81; Select UP 0.13 at 180.88.  Feeders dropped on rising feed costs.

  Lean Hog futures closed mixed with the deferred contracts gaining on rising feed prices.  The Pork cutout was down 92 cents to $87.79/cwt. 

Corn Dec +15 761; Mar +14.5 759; Dec’13 +9 635

Bean Nov +36 1545.5; Mar +35.5 1520; Nov’13 +17 1353   Meal Dec +9 463; May +8 427   Oil +127 5230

Wheat Dec +12 868; Jly +10 847   KC +11 905;  MGE +4.5 944

LC Oct +10 12622; Feb +30 13142; Jun +50 13165

FC Oct -10 14685; Nov -15 14912; Apr -25 15435

LH Dec -32 7885; Feb +35 8532; Jun +60 10055

Milk Oct -1 2104; Nov +49 2061

Oats -2 394

Rice -21 1492

US$ +.4%

Dow -8 13549

SP -4 1457

NAS -31 3073

Tran +8 5156

VIX -.04 15.03

WTI -7 9252

Brent -76 11246

Gas -2 276

NG +11 358

HO +1 320

Eth +3 241

Gold -10 1743

Slvr -42 3281

2-yr +.004 0.302% 5-yr +.011 0.791% 10yr +.014 1.836% 30yr +.019 3.018% 

Blue Grass Stockyards Cattle Weekly Summary Report    for the week ending 10/16/12 Receipts:  2,837 Last Week: 3,046   Year Ago:  3,433       Compared to last week steer calves sold steady to 3.00 lower with moderate demand.  Heifer calves sold steady to 2.00 lower with moderate demand.  Yearling steers sold steady to 3.00 lower with moderate demand.  Yearling heifers sold steady to 1.00 lower with moderate demand.  Slaughter cows and slaughter bulls sold steady with good demand.  Light to moderate demand for fleshy un-weaned calf offerings on the market this week as the fall runs increase; however very good demand for weaned calves.     Total supply included 06% slaughter cows, 01% slaughter bulls, less than 01% replacements and 93% feeders.  Feeder supply 44% steers, 18% bulls, 38% heifers with 53% of feeders weighing over 600 lbs.