DTN Early Word Opening Livestock       11/19 06:46
   Hogs Ready to Bounce

   Possible consolidation in cattle futures.

By Robin Schmahl
DTN Dairy Analyst



Cattle: Steady   Futures: Mixed    Live Equiv: $153.64  -0.27*
Hogs: Lower      Futures: Higher   Lean Equiv: $93.99 +1.01**

* based on formula estimating live cattle equivalent of gross packer revenue
** based on formula estimating lean hog equivalent of gross packer revenue

GENERAL COMMENTS:

   Cattle futures just could not break out to the upside after a few days of
consolidation. At least, many believe it is consolidation. However, the market
may have run out of steam with strong potential for the market to establish a
top. Futures are overbought and cut-outs may be wavering. A market cannot go up
forever without a correction. Retail demand may be saying "enough is enough."
The Tyson plant that was damaged by fire in August is expected to be in full
operation by mid-December. This will not have any impact on the market due to
overall slaughter not really affected much after other facilities took up the
loss of capacity. There was no trading activity yesterday as expected with no
bids or offers officially posted. Strong beef export sales provide support to
the market with the export sales report on Friday showing the largest weekly
export sales total since April 11 and the second-largest for the year.