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Daily Cattle Market Briefings

Latest market analysis and trends

Daily Market Briefing - January 31, 2026

Published: Saturday, January 31, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 31, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (4/10)
- Cattle futures weakening due to extreme winter weather impacts
- Cash markets stalled with reduced slaughter volumes
- USDA inventory report shows continued tight supplies but minimal herd rebuilding

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures: April contract down to $237.275
- Cash prices range $238-241 live, $375-377 dressed
- Choice boxed beef dropped $2.08 to $367.66/cwt
- Select boxed beef fell $2.85 to $360.72/cwt

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- January 1 cattle inventory shows total herd slightly lower at 86.2M head, with beef cows down 1%
- Severe winter weather causing extensive agricultural damage across Texas and other states
- Beef exports remain significantly lower year-over-year due to continued China market lockout

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price pressure from weather-related slaughter disruptions and reduced cattle performance
- Limited herd expansion signals continued tight supplies through 2026
- Feed costs to remain elevated with corn basis levels strong in key feeding regions
- Continued export challenges without resolution to China market access

The combination of extreme weather impacts and minimal herd rebuilding suggests sustained tight supplies but near-term market volatility as the industry works through weather-related disruptions. Focus remains on managing input costs and protecting against weather risks.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 30, 2026

Published: Friday, January 30, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 30, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Strong domestic prices and tight supplies supporting bullish outlook despite export challenges
- Weather disruptions adding short-term price support
- Export market weakness provides some bearish offset

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures up 1.325 cents to 238.725 cents/lb
- Choice boxed beef up $1.63 to $369.94/cwt
- Carcass weights hit new record high at 983 lbs dressed
- Cash trade limited by winter weather with bids around $236

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. January 1 cattle on feed inventory down 3% year-over-year at 11.45M head, marking largest annual decline since 2024
2. December placements at 1.55M head, down 5% vs 2024, indicating continued tight supplies ahead
3. Severe winter storms disrupting processing and transportation across Southern Plains, with Texas activating agricultural disaster relief

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Historically low cattle inventories
- Weather-reduced processing capacity
- Strong domestic demand despite high retail prices
- Limited heifer retention (38.7% of feedlot inventory)

However, watch for:
- Export market weakness, especially with continued China access issues
- Record high carcass weights partially offsetting lower head counts
- Potential weather impacts on feed costs and cattle performance

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 29, 2026

Published: Thursday, January 29, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 29, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Neutral to Slightly Bearish (5/10)
- Markets showing mixed signals with futures easing after recent gains
- Weather impacts moderating as extreme cold subsides
- Cash trade development slow but steady

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $235.60 (-0.425)
- Feeder Cattle: March futures at $362.00 (-0.600)
- Cash cattle trading $233-236 live basis, $370 dressed
- Choice cutout up $6.54 week-over-week
- Select cutout up $2.20 week-over-week

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Cattle on Feed Report shows inventory at 11.45M head (96.8% of 2025), with December placements at 1.55M head (95% vs 2025) - indicating continued tight supplies
2. Heifer retention remains low at 38.73% of feedlot inventory, suggesting limited herd rebuilding
3. Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady at 3.5-3.75% range, maintaining relatively favorable borrowing conditions

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price stability as weather impacts fade
- Continued tight supplies supporting firm cash prices
- Strong domestic beef demand despite high retail prices
- Growing concerns about Mexican border issues and potential screwworm impacts
- Potential pressure from rising feed costs as corn trends higher

Producers should focus on risk management given market volatility and consider forward contracting opportunities while prices remain historically strong. Watch for Friday's biannual USDA Cattle Inventory report for additional market direction.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 28, 2026

Published: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 28, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
Extreme winter weather and tight supplies driving strong upward price momentum despite recent plant closure impacts.

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures up sharply, Feb contract at $236.025 (+1.125)
- Cash fed cattle traded $233-236, mostly $2-5 higher
- Choice boxed beef cutout at $368.11, strengthening
- Feeder cattle index down $5.46 week-over-week but futures gaining

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Arctic blast hitting cattle country, threatening calf survival and weight gains while likely reducing near-term beef production
2. January Cattle on Feed report shows inventories down 3.2% YOY, with placements down 5.4% in December
3. Tyson's Lexington plant closure proceeding but 292 workers temporarily retained for limited processing

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued price strength over next 30-60 days due to:
- Weather impacts reducing production/weights
- Historically tight supplies (14 straight months of declining feedlot numbers)
- Strong domestic demand (retail beef sales +1.7% YOY in December)
- Limited heifer retention suggesting delayed herd rebuilding

Key risk factors to monitor include border health concerns around New World Screwworm and potential policy shifts impacting trade. Overall market fundamentals remain firmly supportive of higher prices through Q1.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 27, 2026

Published: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 27, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
- Severe winter weather and tight cattle supplies driving strong upward price pressure
- Feedlot inventories down 3.2% YOY marks 14th consecutive monthly decline
- Heifer retention remains limited, suggesting continued supply constraints

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures up 2.1 cents to $236.925/cwt
- Choice boxed beef +$1.47 to $368.92/cwt
- Select cuts +$0.66 to $362.39/cwt
- Cash fed cattle trading $233-236 range, $2-5 higher

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Major Arctic blast hitting cattle country with extreme cold/snow impacting production
- Reduced feedlot performance expected
- Potential calf losses in cow-calf operations
- Transportation disruptions likely

2. Tyson extending limited operations at Lexington, NE plant closure
- 292 workers (9% of workforce) get temporary reprieve
- Limited processing to continue up to 185 days
- Reflects ongoing industry adjustment to tight cattle supplies

3. December Cattle on Feed report shows continued tightening
- Total inventory down 3.2% YOY at 11.45M head
- Placements down 5.4% YOY
- Marketings up slightly at 1.8% YOY

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong price support in coming weeks as winter weather impacts compound already tight supplies. Feedlot performance issues and potential calf losses could further reduce near-term beef availability. While current prices are historically high, market fundamentals point to additional upside potential as the industry works through weather disruptions against backdrop of limited cattle numbers.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 24, 2026

Published: Saturday, January 24, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 24, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish-Neutral (4/10)
Markets showing caution amid winter storm threats and ongoing screwworm concerns, though fundamentals remain supportive longer-term.

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures down to $232.375 (Feb) and $234.825 (April)
- Cash fed cattle steady at $233-236, up $2-5 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef up $1.47 to $368.92
- Select-Choice spread narrowing to $2 differential

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Major winter storm expected to impact cattle areas and potentially disrupt demand as consumers stay home, with forecasts showing 1-2 feet of snow from Kansas-Oklahoma border to Ohio Valley
2. USDA January Cattle on Feed report shows total inventory down 3% year-over-year at 11.5 million head, with December placements down 5%
3. Tyson Foods proceeding with Lexington plant closure and Amarillo shift reduction, removing estimated 7,700 head of daily slaughter capacity

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect near-term price pressure from winter weather disruptions and reduced packer capacity, but longer-term supply fundamentals remain supportive. Key factors to watch:
- Weather impacts on cattle performance and beef demand
- Packer response to reduced capacity after Tyson closures
- Ongoing screwworm situation at Mexican border
- Strong retail beef demand despite high prices

Producers should focus on protecting cattle through the severe winter weather while maintaining flexibility in marketing plans given the uncertain near-term environment. The reduced processing capacity could create regional bottlenecks but tight supplies should help maintain overall price support.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 23, 2026

Published: Friday, January 23, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 23, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Markets recovering from Friday's panic selling on false screwworm rumors
- Strong underlying fundamentals remain intact despite volatility
- Cautious optimism prevails among feedyard operators

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $232.375, down $0.725
- Feeder Cattle: $363.725, up $0.500
- Cash fed cattle steady at $233/cwt South, $232-234/cwt North
- Choice boxed beef: $367.45, up $1.34
- Choice-Select spread narrowing seasonally

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- USDA debunks New World screwworm rumors that caused Friday market plunge
- Severe winter weather system approaching, likely to impact cattle performance
- USDA announces $100M funding for screwworm prevention research/control

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from tight supplies (weekly slaughter down 39,000 from last year)
- Weather impacts as major winter storm approaches (potential performance/marketing disruptions)
- Continued strong retail values (all-fresh beef $9.55/lb, up 18.2% year-over-year)
- Sustained market volatility as industry navigates weather challenges and trade uncertainties

The fundamentals remain supportive with reduced slaughter volumes and strong retail demand, though severe weather could temporarily disrupt markets. Focus remains on protecting young calves from approaching winter conditions while maintaining orderly marketing despite weather challenges.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 22, 2026

Published: Thursday, January 22, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 22, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Market fundamentals remain strong despite recent volatility
- Packers paying steady to $1 higher prices across regions
- Weather impacts supporting near-term price strength

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle trading mostly at $233-234
- Dressed prices steady at $365
- Choice cutout at $366.11 (up $1.35)
- Select cutout at $362.45 (up $2.61)
- Choice-Select spread narrowed to $2

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Severe winter weather across Plains states likely to impact cattle performance and transportation
- Show lists down in Texas, flat in Nebraska, up in Kansas
- Record high quality grading percentages, with carcass weights at 957# (33# over last year)

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from weather disruptions
- Continued strong fundamentals but potential volatility
- Steady to higher prices supported by:
* Reduced slaughter volumes (562k head, down 39k from 2024)
* Limited market-ready cattle supplies
* Strong retail demand maintaining box prices
* Severe winter weather impacts on performance

Key Risk Factors:
- Heavy placement weights from summer reaching market
- High-priced feeder cattle purchases pressuring margins
- Plant capacity adjustments following facility closure
- Potential market disruption from political announcements

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 21, 2026

Published: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 21, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Sharp selloff Friday on screwworm fears and disease concerns
- Holiday weekend liquidation by funds holding large long positions
- Multiple plant closure announcements weighing on market confidence

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures plunged with February contract down 3.90 cents to 232.150
- Feeder cattle tumbled 8.10 cents to 356.450
- Cash markets under pressure from plant capacity concerns
- Brazil exports projected flat for 2026 on China restrictions

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Screwworm parasite fears trigger selloff as Texas official warns US spread "inevitable"
2. Tyson Foods Lexington plant closure (3,200 jobs) set for Jan 20, removing 5% of US processing capacity
3. Brazilian beef exports forecast steady at 3.3-3.5M tons for 2026 despite China safeguards

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued volatility and downward price pressure in Q1 2026:
- Animal health concerns creating market uncertainty
- Processing capacity constraints from plant closures
- Fund liquidation could accelerate price moves
- Export markets facing headwinds from China restrictions

Recommendation: Consider price protection strategies given elevated risk factors and large speculative long positions that could drive further liquidation. Monitor screwworm situation closely.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 20, 2026

Published: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 20, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Major selloff in cattle futures driven by screwworm fears
- Long position holders showing significant nervousness
- Holiday weekend amplifying cautious sentiment

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- CME February live cattle down 3.900 cents to 232.150 cents/lb
- April live cattle futures dropped 4.450 cents to 233.975 cents/lb
- March feeder cattle fell sharply by 8.100 cents to 356.450 cents/lb
- Pork carcass prices holding steady at $93.63/cwt

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner warns screwworm parasite "inevitable" to cross from Mexico into US
- Mexican cattle imports remain suspended since May due to screwworm concerns
- Managed funds holding large net long positions vulnerable to further liquidation

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for:
- Continued price volatility ahead as screwworm situation develops
- Potential for additional downward pressure if funds continue liquidating positions
- Enhanced biosecurity measures may become necessary if screwworm reaches US herds
- Short-term technical support levels likely to be tested after holiday weekend

The combination of disease concerns and heavy fund positioning suggests continued market uncertainty through Q1 2026. Producers should consider risk management strategies to protect against further downside volatility.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 17, 2026

Published: Saturday, January 17, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 17, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BEARISH - 3/10
- Sharp futures declines despite steady fundamentals
- Packer margins deteriorating amid high cash costs and modest cutout gains
- Growing uncertainty around screwworm situation and dairy culling proposal

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle trade mostly steady at $232-233 live, $365 dressed
- Choice cutout at $362.38, up $1.61
- Futures moved sharply lower Friday despite higher box prices and steady cash
- Carcass weights at 956 lbs, up 2 lbs from prior week and 35 lbs over last year

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Eight new screwworm cases detected in Mexico's Tamaulipas state, bringing total to 11 since December 30
- Proposed "Make America More Ground Beef" dairy cow culling program could add 1 billion lbs of trim
- Japan leads global corporate climate rankings, potentially impacting future beef export demands

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for increased volatility ahead due to:
- Uncertain timeline for Mexican border reopening as screwworm cases increase
- Potential market disruption if dairy culling program is implemented
- Reduced slaughter levels (553,000 head last week) as packers adjust to plant closure
- Heavy placement weights and high breakeven levels challenging profitability

Producers should consider risk management strategies given multiple bearish factors converging. While fundamentals remain supportive longer-term, near-term headwinds suggest defensive positioning may be prudent.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 16, 2026

Published: Friday, January 16, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 16, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (4/10)
- Futures prices declined across both live and feeder cattle contracts
- Packer margins deteriorating amid high cash prices and stagnant cutout values
- Processing slowdown expected as packers try to strengthen cutout prices

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle traded $232-233 in both north and south regions
- Choice boxed beef cutout at $359.33, up marginally
- Slaughter volume down to 553,000 head vs. 585-595k pre-holiday levels
- Retail meat department hit $111.9B in 2025 sales, up 6.8% YOY

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Proposed "Make America More Ground Beef" program could incentivize culling up to 1M dairy cows
- Japanese corporate climate efforts top global rankings, signaling potential supply chain impacts
- Record U.S. feeder cattle exports to Canada in 2025 amid tight supplies

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for increased volatility and potential downward price pressure in coming weeks due to:
- Reduced packer kill schedules as they try to strengthen margins
- Uncertainty around dairy cow culling program proposal
- Seasonal tendency for reduced demand through late January
- Continued monitoring needed of Mexican border situation and screwworm cases

Recommendation: Consider price risk management strategies given multiple bearish factors emerging that could pressure the strong price environment seen in recent months.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 15, 2026

Published: Thursday, January 15, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 15, 2026

1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (7/10)
- Strong cash trade with fed cattle at $233-235
- Tight supplies and lower feed costs supporting prices
- Some caution over reduced packer margins and slaughter pace

2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Fed cattle: Cash trade $233-235, up $1-2 from last week
- Dressed prices in north at $365, up $5 for the week
- Choice boxed beef at $358.53, up $0.54
- Feeder cattle futures hit highest levels since October
- Carcass weights at 956#, up 2# from prior week and 35# above last year

3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Packers pulling back slaughter to 553,000 head vs. 585-595k normal pace to support margins
- Record high grading above Choice grade reported, putting pressure on premium spreads
- Empty feedlot pens becoming more common, especially in Texas, as operators resist high placement costs

4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued firm cash prices on tight supplies through Q1
- Potential margin pressure on feedlots with high breakevens
- Strategic opportunities in risk management given strong basis levels
- Need to carefully evaluate placement decisions with high feeder costs despite lower corn prices

The market remains fundamentally supported by tight supplies and improving feed costs, though reduced packer margins could limit near-term upside. Focus on risk management opportunities given strong cash basis levels versus futures.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 14, 2026

Published: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 14, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
- Strong upward momentum in futures markets
- Tight supplies and declining placements supporting prices
- Record-high carcass weights partially offsetting reduced slaughter numbers

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures up $2.00-2.90 across contracts
- Feeder cattle futures surged $4.20-6.15 higher
- Choice boxed beef cutout value at $357.99, up $0.88
- Cash fed cattle traded at $233, up $1 from previous week

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. USDA raised 2026 beef production forecast to 25.8B lbs on heavier weights, though still down 260M lbs from 2025
2. Active screwworm cases in Mexico within 200 miles of US border, including in wild boars, raising concerns about spread
3. Corn prices dropped sharply after USDA raised harvest estimate to 17B bushels, lowering feed costs

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Declining placements and tighter fed cattle supplies
- Lower feed costs improving feedlot margins
- Strong domestic demand despite record retail prices
- Limited imports with Brazilian quota filled and Mexican border restrictions

However, key risks include potential screwworm spread from Mexico and consumer resistance to high retail beef prices. Strategic risk management recommended given price levels.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 13, 2026

Published: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 13, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Strong fundamentals with tight supplies and robust demand despite high retail prices
- Continued Mexican border closure and screwworm concerns supporting prices
- Some profit-taking emerged after recent rally to highest levels since October

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures retreated with February contract closing at $233.73, down $1.55
- Cash fed cattle traded at $233, up $1 from previous week
- Carcass weights running heavy at 954 lbs, up 35 lbs year-over-year
- Boxed beef Choice cutout at $357.11, up $1.48

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. EU cleared landmark Mercosur trade deal after 25 years of talks, potentially increasing global beef trade flows despite farmer protests
2. New screwworm cases reported within 200 miles of US-Mexico border, including in wild boars, likely keeping border restrictions in place
3. USDA raised 2026 beef production forecast on heavier carcass weights despite expected reduced fed cattle slaughter in second half

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Declining placements and tighter fed cattle supplies
- Strong domestic demand, particularly from upper income consumers
- Limited import competition with Brazil already filling quota
- However, increasing production costs and volatile futures suggest maintaining risk management strategies through puts and LRP insurance is critical

Risks to monitor include potential recession impacts on demand and summer pasture conditions affecting herd expansion potential. Focus remains on managing input costs while protecting downside price risk in this high-price environment.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 10, 2026

Published: Saturday, January 10, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 10, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
Strong fundamentals and tight supplies continue supporting historically high prices, with cash cattle trading $5 higher at $365 dressed. Limited Mexican imports due to screwworm concerns further tightening supplies.

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: $232-365 dressed, $5 higher than last week
- Choice cutout: $355.63, down $1.16
- Select cutout: $352.17, up $0.11
- Choice/Select spread narrowed to $3, seasonal low
- Feeder cattle index tracking higher, supporting futures

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Mexican screwworm cases down 57% since December, but USDA likely to maintain import restrictions as cases persist near Texas border
2. Record high quality grades reported, with 87.3% grading Choice or better
3. Empty feedlot pens becoming more common, especially in Texas, as operators resist buying high-priced replacements

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Historically tight cattle supplies
- Ongoing Mexican import restrictions
- Strong domestic demand despite high retail prices
- Record high quality grades supporting premium beef values

However, caution warranted as:
- High replacement costs straining feedlot margins
- Some consolidation expected in processing/feeding sectors
- Political pressure over inflation could impact markets
- Consumer resistance to higher retail prices possible

Producers should consider risk management strategies while maintaining flexibility to capture upside potential in this volatile but fundamentally strong market environment.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 9, 2026

Published: Friday, January 9, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 9, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Strong fundamentals from tight supplies supporting prices despite processing margin pressures
- Record quality grading providing premium product availability
- Active cash trade starting week higher than last week

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle trading $5 higher at $365 dressed basis
- Live cattle bids at $232, with some passes seeking higher prices
- Choice boxed beef cutout up $2.51 to $356.79
- Choice/Select spread narrowed to $3, lowest in recent months
- Feeder cattle index sharply higher

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Feedlot inventories declining faster than expected, particularly in Texas, creating intense competition for available cattle
2. Quality grade hitting all-time records with more Prime beef reaching retail counters
3. Processing margins deep in red (-$262/head) as packers struggle with high cattle prices ahead of Tyson plant reductions

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong pricing power in Q1 2026 supported by:
- Historically tight cattle supplies
- Strong retail beef demand following holiday period
- Limited Mexican cattle imports due to ongoing screwworm restrictions
- However, watch for potential price resistance at retail level if boxed beef prices push significantly higher

Producers should consider forward contracting portions of 2026 production while basis levels remain favorable, as deferred futures show notable discounts to cash. Quality premiums likely to remain attractive with record-high grading.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 8, 2026

Published: Thursday, January 8, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 8, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Market regaining momentum after late 2025 pullback
- Strong fundamentals supporting prices despite near-term volatility
- Tight supplies and robust demand providing price support

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Fed cattle: $231-232/cwt in cash trade
- Choice cutout: $354.28, up $3.03
- Select cutout: $349.28, down $1.80
- Feeder cattle futures hit highest levels since October
- Live cattle futures stable near multi-month highs

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Brazil overtakes US as world's largest beef producer, easing global supply pressure
2. China implements new beef import quota system, creating uncertainty for Brazil exports
3. Continued Mexican screwworm cases delaying border reopening for cattle imports

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices supported by:
- Historically tight US cattle supplies
- Reduced Mexican imports due to ongoing screwworm issues
- Robust domestic and export demand
- Processing margins remain deeply negative ($260+/head losses)
- Some pressure possible from increased Brazilian production

Caution warranted around:
- China's new quota system impact on global trade flows
- Large show lists this week testing packer buying appetite
- Continued volatility in futures markets
- Potential margin compression at high price levels

Monitor placement trends and basis levels closely as the market seeks equilibrium at these historically high price points.

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 7, 2026

Published: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 7, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish - 8/10
Strong fundamentals and tight supplies continue driving prices higher despite lingering uncertainties around Mexican imports and plant closures.

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures near $236, regaining most Q4 2025 losses
- Feeder cattle futures above $350, up sharply from November lows
- Choice boxed beef cutout at $351.25, down $2.45
- Cash fed cattle trading $231-232 in the South, $360 dressed in North

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Two new screwworm cases detected in Mexico (goat in Mexico State, cow in Tamaulipas) keeping US border closed to cattle imports and supplies tight
2. Tyson Foods agrees to $82.5M settlement in beef price-fixing lawsuit with grocery stores over alleged supply restrictions during 2015-2022
3. Show lists larger this week but packer inventories small; limited early-week trade expected with packers operating in the red

OUTLOOK:
Near-term fundamentals remain supportive of strong prices with:
- Continued tight supplies exacerbated by Mexican border closure
- Strong domestic demand despite record retail prices
- Feedlot placements trending lower, especially in Texas
- Packers likely to need inventory with full slaughter week ahead

However, producers should monitor:
- Plant capacity reductions as Tyson implements closures
- Potential Mexican border reopening timeline
- Rising concerns about consumer resistance to high retail prices
- Ongoing processor margin pressures that could limit upside

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

Daily Market Briefing - January 6, 2026

Published: Tuesday, January 6, 2026

DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 6, 2026

MARKET SENTIMENT: Strongly Bullish (8/10)
- Futures surging on screwworm concerns and tight supplies
- Cash markets showing strength with packers bidding $1-2 higher
- Strong export demand persisting despite high prices

KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures hit highest level since October at $236.00
- Feeder cattle futures surged to $352.95, also highest since October
- Choice boxed beef up $3.73 to $353.70
- Select cuts gained $4.58 to $351.50

TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Two new screwworm cases detected in Mexico (Tamaulipas and State of Mexico), keeping US border closed to cattle imports and tightening domestic supplies
2. Tyson Foods agrees to $82.5M settlement in beef price-fixing lawsuit with grocers
3. Brazil beef exports exceeded 3.1M tonnes in 2025, up 8.4% YOY, adding competitive pressure to global markets

OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Ongoing US-Mexico border closure limiting feeder cattle supplies
- Plant closures by Tyson reducing processing capacity
- Seasonally tight supplies amplified by current market conditions
- However, high retail prices may test consumer demand limits
- Processing consolidation could impact leverage in cash markets

Recommendation: Consider locking in current strong prices for Q1-Q2 marketings while maintaining flexibility for potential further upside if supply constraints persist.

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

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