About CME Feeder Cattle Futures

CME® Feeder Cattle futures were added to CME livestock products in 1971. The CME Feeder Cattle contract covers calves that will enter the feedlots in the 650-849 pound range for finishing to market weight - the basis the CME Live Cattle contract. The contract has the distinction of being the first commodity contract to expire to a cash index price, allowing hedgers and traders to hold contract positions up through contract expiration. Some futures traders prefer this contract cash-settled feature over contracts that are deliverable.