DTN Early Word Opening Livestock       07/17 05:54
   Meat Futures Set for Mixed Opening With Nearby Gaining on Deferreds

   Live and feeder contracts should open unevenly with nearbys gaining on
deferreds. Lean hog issues should also start out on a mixed note with new spot
August supported somewhat by the premium status of the cash index.

By John Harrington
DTN Livestock Analyst



Cattle: Steady         Futures: Mixed   Live Equiv:  $135.51  - .32*
Hogs:   Steady-$1 LR   Futures: Mixed   Lean Equiv:  $ 88.55  - .45**

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

GENERAL COMMENTS:

   Look for a typically quiet day in feedlot country with both bids and asking
prices poorly defined. We don't expect to see many hints of cash potential
before midweek. Live and feeder futures should open on a mixed basis with
nearby issues better supported than deferreds.