DTN Closing Livestock Comment 10/15 16:07
   Prices Surge on Late-Day Support

   Strong late-day buyer support moved into live cattle futures, which helped
to offset active pressure seen through most of the session. Triple-digit gains
in hog futures are helping to spark renewed underlying trade activity.

By Rick Kment
DTN Analyst



   GENERAL COMMENTS:

   Cash cattle markets are undeveloped Monday afternoon with asking prices and
bids unavailable at this point. This is what is typically expected for a
Monday, as traders focus on active trade being delayed until the second half of
the week. Showlists for the week appear to be mixed with larger offerings seen
in Nebraska offsetting lower numbers in Kansas. Texas and Colorado are
generally steady with last week. According to the closing report, the national
hog base is $1.07 lower compared with the Prior Day settlement ($55.00-$61.40,
weighted average $60.33). Corn futures were higher in light activity with the
December contract closing 4 1/2 cents higher. The Dow Jones Index was 2 points
lower with Nasdaq down 43 points.