DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
Date: November 11, 2025
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BEARISH (4/10)
- Market facing significant headwinds from government shutdown impacts on SNAP benefits
- High retail beef prices and demand concerns weighing on outlook
- CME futures showing vulnerability despite recent technical bounce
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS
- Live cattle futures (Dec) settled at 221.350 cents/lb (+2.575 cents)
- Feeder cattle (Jan) closed at 319.575 cents/lb (+3.975 cents)
- Retail beef prices remain at record levels, with ground beef leading inflation
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS
a) Trump Orders DOJ Investigation: President calls for probe into alleged meat packer price manipulation and collusion
b) SNAP Benefits Crisis: USDA orders states to halt full food aid payments amid shutdown, potentially impacting beef demand
c) Mexican Border Update: Agriculture Secretary signals potential reopening of Mexican cattle imports as screwworm situation improves
4. OUTLOOK
Ranchers should prepare for increased market volatility in the near term. While tight supplies continue to support prices, several bearish factors are emerging:
- Potential Mexican border reopening could increase feeder cattle supply
- Food assistance program disruption may dampen domestic demand
- DOJ investigation adds uncertainty to packer behavior and pricing
Action Items:
- Consider price risk management strategies given heightened volatility
- Monitor Mexican border situation for supply implications
- Watch retail demand signals as SNAP benefit issues unfold
Date: November 11, 2025
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BEARISH (4/10)
- Market facing significant headwinds from government shutdown impacts on SNAP benefits
- High retail beef prices and demand concerns weighing on outlook
- CME futures showing vulnerability despite recent technical bounce
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS
- Live cattle futures (Dec) settled at 221.350 cents/lb (+2.575 cents)
- Feeder cattle (Jan) closed at 319.575 cents/lb (+3.975 cents)
- Retail beef prices remain at record levels, with ground beef leading inflation
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS
a) Trump Orders DOJ Investigation: President calls for probe into alleged meat packer price manipulation and collusion
b) SNAP Benefits Crisis: USDA orders states to halt full food aid payments amid shutdown, potentially impacting beef demand
c) Mexican Border Update: Agriculture Secretary signals potential reopening of Mexican cattle imports as screwworm situation improves
4. OUTLOOK
Ranchers should prepare for increased market volatility in the near term. While tight supplies continue to support prices, several bearish factors are emerging:
- Potential Mexican border reopening could increase feeder cattle supply
- Food assistance program disruption may dampen domestic demand
- DOJ investigation adds uncertainty to packer behavior and pricing
Action Items:
- Consider price risk management strategies given heightened volatility
- Monitor Mexican border situation for supply implications
- Watch retail demand signals as SNAP benefit issues unfold
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.