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Daily Cattle Market Briefings

Latest market analysis and trends

Daily Market Briefing - March 28, 2026

Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 28, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (7/10)
- Cash cattle market showing strength with late-week sales at $238-240
- Futures closed sharply higher despite surprisingly low slaughter volume
- Strong buyer competition for replacement cattle despite dry conditions

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle: South $238, North $235-240
- Dressed sales steady at $372
- Carcass weights at 966 lbs, up 47 lbs YOY
- Quality grade holding at 89.7%

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Extreme weather driving market volatility - Record heat followed by cold front bringing wildfire risks to Plains, with Nebraska reporting livestock losses
2. Historically low weekly slaughter of 503,000 head (down 55k YOY) despite positive packer margins, suggesting potential for higher boxed beef prices
3. Drought conditions worsening in Texas/Oklahoma Panhandles and western Kansas, threatening herd rebuilding efforts and increasing wildfire risks

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued price strength in the near term due to:
- Tight supplies evidenced by low slaughter numbers
- Strong replacement cattle demand despite high prices
- Weather risks adding market premium
- However, extreme heat and expanding drought conditions pose significant production risks, particularly for Plains operators

Key risk factors to monitor: Wildfire threats, deteriorating pasture conditions, and potential consumer resistance to high beef prices. Consider risk management strategies given weather volatility.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 27, 2026

Published: Friday, March 27, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 27, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Strong cash prices holding steady despite market turbulence
- Improved packer margins supporting the market
- Extreme weather concerns creating some uncertainty

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash fed cattle steady at $235/cwt live, $372/cwt dressed
- Choice boxed beef cutout up to $400.11, a 25% increase from 2025
- Futures showed gains last week despite broader market volatility
- Record dressed heifer weights at 901 lbs

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Historically light weekly slaughter of 503,000 head, down 55,000 from last year, despite improved packer margins - suggesting tight control of supply
2. Extreme heat and wildfires in western/central U.S. causing livestock losses, particularly in Nebraska
3. Growing concern over backed up cattle, with 91% more animals on feed 180+ days versus last year

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term support for prices as packers maintain disciplined slaughter pace
- Increased slaughter volumes (targeting 550,000 head) in coming weeks
- Potential pressure from heavy cattle weights and backed up feedlot supplies
- Weather risks to remain elevated with drought expanding in key regions

Special Note: While demand remains robust with Choice beef over $400/cwt, the number of cattle on feed over 180 days is concerning. This backlog will need to be addressed before summer and could pressure prices if not managed carefully through increased processing capacity.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 26, 2026

Published: Thursday, March 26, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 26, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (7/10)
- Strong beef demand continues despite record high prices
- Tight cattle supplies and reduced slaughter volumes supporting prices
- Record high dressed weights signal potential supply chain bottleneck

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash fed cattle steady at $235/cwt live, $372/cwt dressed
- Choice boxed beef cutout up to $400.11/cwt, a 25% increase from 2025
- Futures showing strength with April live cattle up $3.15/cwt

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Weekly slaughter volumes extremely light at 508,000 head, down 50,000 from last year, pushing boxed beef prices higher
2. Record heifer dressed weights of 901 lbs indicating potential backlog in feedyards
3. Australia projecting record beef production and exports in 2026, which could pressure U.S. prices

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through spring grilling season but watch for risks:
- Growing concern over cattle spending extended time on feed (18% more cattle >150 days vs last year)
- Packers likely to maintain tight control on slaughter volumes until spring demand picks up
- Consumer demand remains key - any economic downturn could threaten current price levels

Critical timing factors: Memorial Day grilling season approaching, but current slaughter pace needs to increase to work through backed-up cattle inventory. Producers should consider marketing strategies that protect against potential price pressure from backed-up supplies.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 25, 2026

Published: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 25, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Strong domestic demand continues despite record retail prices
- Reduced slaughter volumes creating upward price pressure
- Packers holding strong margins while maintaining steady cash prices

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: Steady at $235 live and $372 dressed
- Retail beef: All-fresh price hit new record at $9.64/lb in February
- Box prices: Mixed but supported by reduced slaughter volumes
- Futures: Volatile, responding to geopolitical news

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Show lists smaller across all regions with weekly slaughter at 503,000 head, down 22,000 from previous week and 55,000 from last year
2. Extreme heat and wildfire conditions affecting western/central U.S., with livestock losses reported in Nebraska
3. Packers achieved best margins in two years by holding live prices steady while raising box prices

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices supported by:
- Historically tight supplies (cattle inventory at 75-year low)
- Robust domestic demand (beef demand index at 138, up 10 points from 2024)
- Limited marketing options as slaughter capacity remains constrained
- Growing concern about summer heat impacts on production

CAUTION POINTS:
- Rising fuel prices (diesel >$5/gal) could pressure margins
- Geopolitical tensions creating market uncertainty
- Potential demand resistance at record retail price levels
- Increased imports may partially offset domestic supply constraints

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 24, 2026

Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 24, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Packers showing strongest margins in 2 years
- Retail demand remains robust despite high prices
- Geopolitical tensions easing with Iran agreement

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle steady at $235 live, $372 dressed
- Choice boxed beef at $400.11/cwt, up 13% YTD
- Record retail prices but scanner data suggests actual consumer prices lower than reported

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- February placements at 1.61M head, surprisingly 4% above 2025
- Slaughter volume down to 508,000 head (-17,000 from previous week)
- Trump announces Iran agreement, easing energy market pressures

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued strong packer margins driving steady procurement
- Pressure on heavy cattle needing to market
- Seasonal grilling demand approaching could support prices
- Weather risks increasing with early heat and wildfire concerns
- Import competition rising as lean beef supplies remain tight

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 21, 2026

Published: Saturday, March 21, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 21, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (7/10)
- Strong fundamentals despite processing challenges
- Tight cattle supplies continuing to drive market
- Price strength persisting despite reduced slaughter capacity

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Fed cattle steady at $235 live and $372 dressed
- Feeder cattle prices 10-20% higher across weight classes
- Box beef prices higher week-over-week despite recent pullback
- Carcass weights at 959 lbs (+44 lbs YOY)

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
a) JBS Greeley plant strike continues, significantly impacting processing capacity
b) March 1 Cattle on Feed report shows:
- On-feed inventory at 11.5M head (flat YOY)
- February placements up 4% YOY
- February marketings down 7% YOY
c) Major drought expansion in Western U.S., particularly Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued strong prices due to tight supplies
- Processing bottlenecks from reduced capacity
- Regional price variations due to plant closures
- Increased pressure from rising grain prices
- Drought conditions may force earlier marketing in affected regions

Key Risk Factors:
- Consumer resistance to high beef prices
- Rising feed costs
- Processing capacity constraints
- Expanding drought conditions in key production areas

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 20, 2026

Published: Friday, March 20, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 20, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Cash cattle trade showing strength despite processor attempts to buy lower
- Tight supplies continue to support prices despite demand headwinds
- Positive packer margins emerging, encouraging higher slaughter rates

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS
- Cash cattle trading mostly $235/cwt live basis, with Texas up to $236
- Dressed sales at $372
- Prices $5-8 lower than previous week
- Feeder cattle seeing significant gains: $10-20 higher in Oklahoma markets
- Carcass weights at 959 lbs, 44 lbs above last year

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- Nebraska wildfires have burned over 700,000 acres, largest in state history
- Commercial beef production down 4% year-over-year in February
- New World screwworm threat approaching Texas-Mexico border requiring producer preparedness

4. OUTLOOK
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from reduced cattle supplies and improving packer margins
- Weather volatility affecting both operations and markets
- Regional supply chain disruptions from wildfires and plant closures
- Growing pressure from vertical integration as retailers enter meat packing
- Continued drought concerns, particularly in Southwest and Plains regions

WATCH ITEMS:
- Extreme weather patterns affecting multiple regions
- Interest rate expectations shifting toward flat/higher
- Growing concerns about demand at current price levels
- Drought monitor showing stress in Texas/Oklahoma Panhandles

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 17, 2026

Published: Tuesday, March 17, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 17, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
Significant downward pressure on prices as packer margins improve but overall cattle supplies remain tight. Multiple challenges emerging including plant closures, health concerns, and volatile oil markets.

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Fed cattle: $235 live, down $5-8 from previous week
- Boxed beef: Choice up to $395.53, with narrow Choice-Select spread of $7.13
- Feeder cattle seeing $10-20 declines at Oklahoma City
- Carcass weights up significantly: +35 lbs for steers, +24 lbs for heifers vs 2025

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. New respiratory pathogen emerging in Texas Panhandle feedyards causing increased mortality rates
2. Tyson plant closure/reduction in Lexington NE/Amarillo TX impacting processing capacity
3. Saturday slaughter rates at 30-year low (1.2%) reflecting tight supplies and infrastructure challenges

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued price pressure in near term as multiple headwinds converge:
- Processing capacity reductions forcing operational changes
- Health challenges in key feeding regions
- Strong underlying demand but infrastructure limitations
- Positive packer margins likely to encourage higher kill volumes where possible

Key action items: Monitor local health protocols closely given new pathogen risks, consider marketing timing carefully with reduced processing capacity, and watch for opportunities in forward contracts as packers seek to secure supply.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 14, 2026

Published: Saturday, March 14, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 14, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Strongly Bearish (2/10)
- Sharp decline in cash cattle prices and futures amid multiple bearish factors
- Packers leveraging Greeley plant closure and reduced slaughter to pressure market
- Rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions creating additional headwinds

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle sales $5-8 lower at $233-236 in major regions
- Iowa/Nebraska dressed sales at $372
- Weekly slaughter at 521,000 head, down 58,000 from last year
- Carcass weights up 40# from last year at 960#

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley plant workers set to strike Monday, with 3,800 workers walking out and slaughter already cancelled for next week
2. Middle East conflict causing major disruption to global feed supply chains with both Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz routes impacted
3. USDA awarded $1.67M in worker assistance following Tyson Lexington plant closure, highlighting ongoing industry consolidation

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued downward price pressure in the near term due to:
- Reduced slaughter capacity from plant closures and labor issues
- Rising input costs from feed supply disruptions and higher energy prices
- Packer leverage increasing as they manage reduced capacity
- Early signs of consumer resistance to record retail beef prices ($9.64/lb all-fresh)

Recommend focusing on cost management and exploring alternative marketing arrangements as industry works through significant structural changes. Quality grade remains strong at 90% Choice/Prime but may decline seasonally into summer.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 13, 2026

Published: Friday, March 13, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 13, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Strongly Bearish (2/10)
- Multiple negative factors converging to create significant downward pressure
- Plant closures, labor issues, and international tensions weighing heavily on markets
- Cash prices tumbling with $5-8 lower trades across major regions

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle: $233-236 range, down $5-8 from previous week
- Dressed sales mostly at $372, showing significant weakness
- Weekly slaughter at 521,000 head, down 58,000 from last year
- Carcass weights up 40# from last year at 960#

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley Strike: 3,800 workers set to strike Monday, March 16; plant has already cancelled this week's slaughter
2. Middle East Crisis: Disrupting global feed supply chains and shipping routes, driving up input costs
3. Tyson Lexington Impact: DOL awards $1.67M in worker assistance following 3,200-worker layoff

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued market pressure through Q2 2026 due to:
- Reduced slaughter capacity from plant closures and labor issues
- Rising feed costs from global shipping disruptions
- Oversupply concerns as plants reduce kill schedules
- Consumer resistance to high beef prices forcing price structure reset

Recommendation: Consider marketing cattle ahead of schedule where possible, as multiple factors suggest additional downside risk in coming weeks.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 12, 2026

Published: Thursday, March 12, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 12, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BEARISH (3/10)
Major headwinds from JBS Greeley plant strike threat and reduced slaughter capacity weighing heavily on market confidence. Box beef prices spiking but overall sentiment negative due to processing disruptions.

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash fed cattle: $240-242/cwt, down $2-4 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef: $391.29, up $23.52 from February low
- Futures markets: Sharp declines with feeders hitting limit down
- Carcass weights: 960 lbs, up 7 lbs from prior week and 40 lbs YOY

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
a) JBS Greeley plant suspending operations ahead of potential March 16 strike, impacting ~3,800 workers and disrupting regional cattle flows
b) Boxed beef prices surging unusually early in season, up 9.1% YTD despite being in typically weak Lenten period
c) WASDE report forecasts higher cattle prices through Q3 2026 on strong demand despite lower beef production

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for significant near-term volatility:
- Processing capacity constraints likely to pressure cash prices despite strong beef demand
- Summer price targets above $245 still possible if labor issues resolve
- Key risks include potential recession impact on beef demand if oil/gas prices remain elevated
- Replacement cattle markets expected to see significant price pressure as industry faces capacity reset

Warning signs suggest industry entering transition period with processing and feedlot capacity likely to face rationalization. Conservative marketing strategies advised until JBS situation resolves and market direction clarifies.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 11, 2026

Published: Wednesday, March 11, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 11, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Sharp downturn in futures markets
- Labor disruption concerns at JBS Greeley
- Growing recession fears due to high energy prices

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash fed cattle: $240-242/cwt, down $2-4 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef: $387.22/cwt, up $7.45 for the week
- April live cattle futures: $234.575, trading well below cash
- Feeder cattle futures: Hit limit down on March 9

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
a) JBS Greeley workers set to strike March 16
- 3,800 workers gave 7-day strike notice
- Plant has suspended slaughter operations
- Other facilities absorbing cattle commitments

b) Slaughter volumes remain constrained
- Weekly kill at 521,000 head, down 58,000 from 2025
- Reduced throughput supporting wholesale beef prices
- Record heavy carcass weights partially offsetting lower kills

c) WASDE report forecasts higher cattle prices
- Beef production lowered on slower slaughter pace
- Export forecast reduced for first half of 2026
- Price projections raised through Q3 2026

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued volatility in the near term. While fundamentals remain supportive with tight supplies and strong beef demand, several headwinds have emerged:

- Potential JBS labor disruption could pressure cash prices temporarily
- Rising energy costs threaten consumer spending power
- Heavy carcass weights may pressure prices if kills increase
- Strong boxed beef prices suggest underlying demand remains intact

Recommendation: Consider price protection strategies for Q2-Q3 marketings given increased market uncertainty. Monitor JBS situation closely as resolution could spark quick price recovery.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 10, 2026

Published: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 10, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Sharp downturn in futures with limit down moves in feeder cattle
- Plant closure risk and rising grain prices weighing heavily on sentiment
- Negative packer margins forcing operational adjustments

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: $240 live, $380 dressed (steady to $3 lower)
- Choice Boxed Beef: $386.41/cwt (up 9.1% YTD, +23% YOY)
- Feeder Cattle: Sharply lower on futures limit downs
- Carcass weights: 953 lbs (+1 lb WoW, +30 lbs YOY)

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley workers voted to strike starting March 16th, threatening operations at major processing facility
2. Quality grade declining seasonally, now at 88.8% (-0.6% WoW)
3. Packer margins improving but still negative, driving reduced slaughter volumes (521k head, -58k YOY)

OUTLOOK:
- Near-term processing disruption likely from JBS labor dispute
- Expect continued downward pressure on fed cattle prices as packers work to restore margins
- Replacement cattle market due for significant price correction given:
* Rising grain costs
* Plant/feedlot closures
* Consumer resistance to high retail prices
* Negative swap rates between feeder and fed cattle

Ranchers should prepare for volatile conditions and potential sharp price corrections across the supply chain as the industry works to balance capacities and margins. Risk management strategies will be critical.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 7, 2026

Published: Saturday, March 7, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 7, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BEARISH (3/10)
- Oil spike above $92 and Iran tensions creating significant economic headwinds
- Packer margins deeply negative (-$500/head) driving reduced slaughter
- Cash cattle prices weakening with live trades $2-3 lower than last week

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS
- Live cattle: $240-242, down $2-3 from previous week
- Slaughter volume: 519,000 head, down 50,000 from last year
- Carcass weights: 953 lbs, up 30 lbs year-over-year
- Quality grade: 88.8%, down 0.6% from previous week

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- Major infrastructure announcement: Beef.com launching digital trading/settlement platform with $25M Phase I funding
- Senator Schumer introduces bill to force packers to separate multi-species operations
- Drought conditions worsen with 7.3% increase in affected areas over past week

4. OUTLOOK
- Near-term bearish pressure from reduced slaughter and economic uncertainty
- Packers likely to continue limiting kills to restore margins
- Spring seasonal demand improvement expected but high prices risk demand destruction
- Replacement cattle market remains historically high with 40-50% premiums vs last year
- Weather risks increasing with drought expansion and wildfire threats in Southern Plains

Key Action Item: Producers should closely monitor basis levels and consider risk management strategies given current market volatility and economic headwinds.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 6, 2026

Published: Friday, March 6, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 6, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
- Reduced slaughter volumes and lower cash bids indicate near-term pressure
- Packer margins reportedly running $500/head losses
- Show lists down in all major regions as packers took on more inventory last week

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Feeder steers: 2.00-8.00 lower
- Feeder heifers: 4.00-10.00 lower
- Steer calves: 5.00-15.00 lower
- Heifer calves: 10.00-20.00 lower
- Box beef prices trending higher on reduced slaughter

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
a) Slaughter volume dropped to 519,000 head, down 50,000 from last year, as packers reduce kills to improve margins
b) Sen. Schumer introduced bill to force meatpackers to process only one species, drawing strong industry opposition
c) JBS USA breaks ground on $150M expansion at Cactus TX plant despite challenging margin environment

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued price pressure in the near term as packers work to restore margins
- Improving spring demand as weather warms and consumers increase outdoor activities
- Potential market disruption if proposed packer legislation gains traction
- Quality grades likely to decline slowly into summer months
- Heavy carcass weights (currently 953#, 30# above last year) remain a concern

Weather factors to watch: Drought expanding in Lower Mississippi Valley and Southern Plains, with major pattern change bringing precipitation to central U.S. in coming days. Warming trend in Northeast should help retail beef movement.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 4, 2026

Published: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 4, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Packers leveraging reduced slaughter volumes to pressure cash prices
- Show lists down in all major regions
- Deep processor losses (~$500/head) driving market dynamics

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle cash prices $4-8 lower ($240-245 range)
- Choice boxed beef up $6.71 to $388.05
- Feeder cattle mostly $2-10 lower
- Record high quality grades (89.4% Choice or better)

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Packers aggressively cutting slaughter volumes (519,000 head, down 50,000 from last year) to restore margins
2. Mideast conflict threatening to push oil prices higher with broader economic implications
3. Two-tier replacement market emerging as stocker operators compete aggressively for summer grass cattle

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued downward pressure on cash prices in the near term as packers work to restore margins through reduced slaughter volumes. However, sharply rising boxed beef prices may help stimulate increased processing activity. The combination of record quality grades and reduced beef availability will likely accelerate the transition toward premium product merchandising. Summer grazing demand remains strong despite elevated replacement costs, suggesting sustained support for feeder cattle values despite current market pressure.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - March 3, 2026

Published: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 3, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Two days of sharp futures declines
- Packer margins deeply negative, leading to reduced slaughter volumes
- Cash prices down $4-8 in northern markets, $5 lower in the south

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $244.00 (-$2.00)
- Cash cattle: North $240-245 live, South $244
- Choice cutout: $381.34 (+$1.50)
- Record high quality grade of 89.4% choice or better

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Packers cutting weekly slaughter to 516,000 head (-53,000 vs last year) to restore margins
- Quality grades hit all-time record at 89.4% choice/better, changing market dynamics
- Severe drought conditions emerging in Texas/Oklahoma Panhandles, raising wildfire risks

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued downward pressure on cash prices as packers manage through negative margins by reducing slaughter volumes. The record-high quality grades are creating a new market dynamic where select grade becomes less relevant. Summer grass stocker demand remains strong but drought conditions in key regions could impact placement patterns. The industry appears to be in a period of necessary adjustment to match processing capacity with current herd size.

Producers should:
- Monitor basis levels carefully given current market volatility
- Consider marketing options that capture value from high quality grades
- Plan for potential impacts from expanding drought conditions
- Be prepared for continued price pressure as industry rightsizes capacity

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - February 28, 2026

Published: Saturday, February 28, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 28, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Cash market showing weakness with $3-4 lower prices
- Futures tanked on lower cash sales and geopolitical concerns
- Industry sentiment cautious despite tight supplies

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: $243-245 live, $383-384 dressed (down $3-4)
- Choice cutout: $379.84 (up $1.95)
- Select cutout: $374.31 (up $3.52)
- Feeder futures down sharply: March -$6.225, April -$7.550

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Record-high quality grade reported at 89.4% Choice or better
- Sharp decline in weekly slaughter to 516,000 head (-49,000 vs last year)
- JBS announces $150M Cactus plant expansion, completion early 2027

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued price pressure in the near term due to:
- Packer margins remain deeply negative
- Slaughter volumes declining significantly
- Consumer resistance at record-high price levels
- Possible additional plant closures

However, longer-term support exists from:
- Historically tight cattle supplies
- Strong demand for premium beef grades
- Projected 58% increase in Missouri farm income for 2025
- Continued industry investment in processing capacity

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - February 27, 2026

Published: Friday, February 27, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 27, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BULLISH (8/10)
- Record high prices across multiple categories
- Historically tight supplies continuing to drive market
- Some caution around packer margins and seasonal demand patterns

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Fed cattle: $246-249/cwt (new record highs)
- 500lb steers: Over $450/cwt in key states
- Choice cutout: $377.89 (-$1.34)
- Feeder Cattle Index: $377.37 (new all-time high)

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Cattle on feed inventory down 1.8% YoY at 11.5M head, marking 15th straight month of declines
- Weekly slaughter dropped sharply to 516,000 head (-25,000 from previous week)
- Quality grades hit all-time record with 89.4% grading Choice or better

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from extremely tight supplies
- Potential resistance from packer margins and reduced slaughter capacity
- Seasonal improvement in beef demand heading into spring
- Continued strength in replacement cattle markets, though prices at current levels create some nervousness

Key Watch Points:
- Packer plant utilization rates and potential further closures
- Consumer reaction to record retail prices
- Weather impacts on rebuilding efforts, particularly in drought-affected regions
- Forward contracting likely to remain limited due to discounted futures prices

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

Daily Market Briefing - February 26, 2026

Published: Thursday, February 26, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 26, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
Record high prices and tight supplies continue driving strong bullish momentum, though some caution exists around packer margins and slaughter rates.

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Fed cattle cash prices hit new record at $249-250/cwt live
- Choice boxed beef up $8 to $379.23
- Feeder cattle index reached all-time high at $377.37/cwt
- Quality grade hits record 89.4% Choice or better

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Weekly slaughter dropped sharply to 516,000 head (-49,000 from last year), lowest non-holiday level since COVID-19 lockdowns
2. Latest Cattle on Feed report shows 1.8% decline in feedlot inventory vs last year, marking 15th straight month of declines
3. Packers reducing kills to protect margins amid seasonally soft demand period, though box prices responding upward

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through spring on historically tight supplies, though some near-term pressure possible as packers manage throughput. Key watch points:
- Spring demand improvement could support next leg higher
- Potential for $300/cwt fed cattle prices later in 2026
- Risk factors include consumer resistance to high prices and packer plant utilization
- Summer grass demand driving aggressive stocker cattle purchases
- Quality premiums becoming more important as grading improves

The market fundamentals remain decidedly bullish, but the pace of gains may moderate as the industry processes record price levels and works through seasonal demand patterns.

For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.

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