DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
November 1, 2025
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (4/10)
- Restaurant Performance Index hit lowest level since March at 99.4
- Negative restaurant traffic for 8th straight month
- Only 34% of operators expect higher sales in next 6 months
- Fed cattle prices declined $8-10 from previous week
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle: $230-235.50, down $8-10 from last week
- Choice cutout: $375, well below $415 peak earlier this year
- Carcass weights: 948 lbs, up 22 lbs year-over-year
- Feeder cattle: $30-50 lower across major markets
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Trump administration released 13-point plan to "Fortify American Beef Industry" focused on expanding supply
- Certified Angus Beef reports near-record sales of 1.235 billion lbs despite tight supply
- Restaurant operators showing increased pessimism about economic conditions with RPI remaining in contraction
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued pressure on prices in the near-term as multiple headwinds persist:
- Expanded processing capacity initiatives
- Potential changes to import policies with Mexico/Brazil
- Weak restaurant demand
- Government focus on lowering consumer beef prices
However, underlying fundamentals remain supportive longer-term with:
- Record consumer demand for premium beef
- Historically tight cattle supplies
- Strong export markets in key regions
- Improved grazing conditions supporting herd rebuilding
The market appears to be seeking new equilibrium levels as both fundamental factors and policy initiatives create conflicting pressures. Producers should focus on risk management strategies given the heightened volatility.
November 1, 2025
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (4/10)
- Restaurant Performance Index hit lowest level since March at 99.4
- Negative restaurant traffic for 8th straight month
- Only 34% of operators expect higher sales in next 6 months
- Fed cattle prices declined $8-10 from previous week
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle: $230-235.50, down $8-10 from last week
- Choice cutout: $375, well below $415 peak earlier this year
- Carcass weights: 948 lbs, up 22 lbs year-over-year
- Feeder cattle: $30-50 lower across major markets
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Trump administration released 13-point plan to "Fortify American Beef Industry" focused on expanding supply
- Certified Angus Beef reports near-record sales of 1.235 billion lbs despite tight supply
- Restaurant operators showing increased pessimism about economic conditions with RPI remaining in contraction
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued pressure on prices in the near-term as multiple headwinds persist:
- Expanded processing capacity initiatives
- Potential changes to import policies with Mexico/Brazil
- Weak restaurant demand
- Government focus on lowering consumer beef prices
However, underlying fundamentals remain supportive longer-term with:
- Record consumer demand for premium beef
- Historically tight cattle supplies
- Strong export markets in key regions
- Improved grazing conditions supporting herd rebuilding
The market appears to be seeking new equilibrium levels as both fundamental factors and policy initiatives create conflicting pressures. Producers should focus on risk management strategies given the heightened volatility.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.