Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle futures started the year with significant gains, breaking out of a recent consolidation phase. February Live Cattle futures settled $4.40 higher at $236.17, while March Feeder Cattle futures jumped $7.62 to end at $353.05. This move pushed technical indicators higher, with the Relative Strength Index for Feeder Cattle reaching its highest level since October 16 at 71.79. Despite the futures rally, the cash market showed some weakness as wholesale Choice box beef prices fell to $347.45. Lean Hog futures diverged from the complex, with the February contract losing $1.00 to settle at $84.05.