DTN Early Word Opening Livestock       10/16 06:06
   Sluggish Trade Expected Early Monday

   Light market activity is expected early Monday morning in all livestock
trade. Cash cattle markets remain quiet following moderate to active trade late
last week. The focus on mixed futures trade and light early volume may allow
for additional volatility through the complex.

By Rick Kment
DTN Analyst



Cattle: Steady $2 HR   Futures: Mixed   Live Equiv $133.09  + 0.43*
Hogs:   Steady-$1 HR   Futures: Mixed   Lean Equiv $ 79.59  + 0.59**

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

GENERAL COMMENTS:

   Lackluster market activity is expected early Monday morning in both cash and
futures trade across the cattle complex with traders looking for additional
direction from several market areas early in the week. The active trade late
last week in cash cattle markets, which helped to solidify cash cattle prices
at $111 on a live basis and $175 dressed basis, will put the focus back on
showlist distribution and inventory taking. It is likely that active bids may
not develop until sometime Tuesday or Wednesday given the amount of cattle
traded over the last week and the general tone of the market. Futures are
expected to start out mixed with a positive tone given the recent underlying
support redeveloping in feeder cattle trade. This will keep most traders on the
sidelines through the first couple hours as volume will remain light during
initial trade.