DTN Early Word Opening Livestock 03/28 05:34

DTN Early Word Opening Livestock 03/28 05:34 Mixed Trade Likely Again Wednesday Early activity is expected to remain sluggish Wednesday morning as traders continue to focus on the limited support available earlier in the week. Trade volume through the rest of the week is expected to remain light due to the upcoming holiday weekend. By Rick Kment DTN Analyst Cattle: Steady to $2 Lower Futures: Mixed Live Equiv $148.11 -0.39* Hogs: Steady to $1 Lower Futures: Mixed Lean Equiv $ 74.67 -1.20** * based on formula estimating live cattle equivalent of gross packer revenue ** based on formula estimating lean hog equivalent of gross packer revenue GENERAL COMMENTS: The ability for buyers to step into the market Tuesday is likely to help draw additional interest back to the table midweek due to some increased desire to help stabilize the complex through the end of the month. Even though there are two more trading sessions in the month of March, and the end of the first quarter, overall volume is likely to remain sluggish as several traders are already expecting to back away from the market based on the upcoming long weekend. Feeder cattle futures were the only market to hold gains at the end of the session Tuesday, which may limit follow-through support. Cash cattle trade remains undeveloped at this point, but bids and asking prices are likely to become much more active through the day Wednesday with the desire for both sides to accomplish needed business before Friday if possible.