DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
November 5, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
Markets showing significant weakness with futures suffering $4-5 losses and cash prices declining notably from previous week's levels.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: South $235-236, North $230 ($8 lower)
- Dressed prices down $10 to $360
- Choice cutout at $377.58 (down $1.67)
- Feeder futures down approximately $7
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Weekly slaughter volume dropped significantly to 559,000 head (-56,000 vs last year), with packers making late-week adjustments based on retail demand signals
2. Incoming cattle weights are averaging 25# heavier than last year, reflecting improved summer grazing conditions
3. Carcass weights reached 948#, up 22# from last year, potentially pressuring near-term prices
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued price pressure in the near term. Several factors suggest caution:
- Reduced slaughter volumes indicate processors are pulling back
- Heavier cattle weights mean more beef supply per head
- Market psychology has shifted bearish, though fundamentals may provide support at lower levels
Key Action Points:
- Consider price protection strategies for Q4
- Watch holiday middle meat demand for potential support
- Monitor drought conditions in Southern Plains which could impact herd expansion plans
November 5, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
Markets showing significant weakness with futures suffering $4-5 losses and cash prices declining notably from previous week's levels.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: South $235-236, North $230 ($8 lower)
- Dressed prices down $10 to $360
- Choice cutout at $377.58 (down $1.67)
- Feeder futures down approximately $7
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Weekly slaughter volume dropped significantly to 559,000 head (-56,000 vs last year), with packers making late-week adjustments based on retail demand signals
2. Incoming cattle weights are averaging 25# heavier than last year, reflecting improved summer grazing conditions
3. Carcass weights reached 948#, up 22# from last year, potentially pressuring near-term prices
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued price pressure in the near term. Several factors suggest caution:
- Reduced slaughter volumes indicate processors are pulling back
- Heavier cattle weights mean more beef supply per head
- Market psychology has shifted bearish, though fundamentals may provide support at lower levels
Key Action Points:
- Consider price protection strategies for Q4
- Watch holiday middle meat demand for potential support
- Monitor drought conditions in Southern Plains which could impact herd expansion plans
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.