DTN Early Word Opening Livestock       05/21 06:22
   Cattle Futures to Show Opening Strength

   Live and feeder cattle contracts are set to open significantly higher,
supported by follow-through buying and impressive corn planting progress. Lean
hog futures should start out on a firm basis tied to the growing premium of the
cash market.

By John Harrington
DTN Livestock Analyst



Cattle: Steady-$1 LR         Futures: 50-100 HR  Live Equiv $142.09 + 0.47*
Hogs:   Cash Steady-0.50 LR  Futures: 10-30 HR   Lean Equiv $100.39 - 0.10**
* 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 cash cattle is not likely to get off the ground today with few packers
willing to field even preliminary bids. Most feedlot managers should also
remain tight-lipped. Generally speaking we assume asking prices should be
around $127 in the South and $203-205 in the North. Significant trade volume
will probably be delayed until the second half of the week. Live and feeder
contracts should open moderately higher, supported by residual buying and
confirmation of aggressive corn planting progress.