DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
November 12, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
The cattle market continues to face headwinds from multiple factors, including potential import policy changes and technical selling pressure. Live cattle futures declined while feeders showed modest gains in mixed trading.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- CME December live cattle down 1.35 cents to 227.20 cents/lb
- CME January feeders up 0.325 cents to 329.15 cents/lb
- Cash cattle prices holding steadier than futures with Southern trade at $232/cwt
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Federal government reopening provides market support, but labor market concerns raise doubts about beef demand strength
2. China signals willingness to resume agricultural trade cooperation with Canada, potentially affecting global beef trade flows
3. USDA/China agreement on port fee suspension could reduce export costs for US beef shipments
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued volatility in the near term as markets digest multiple crosscurrents. While tight cattle supplies remain supportive, uncertainty around import policies and consumer demand could cap upside. The technical picture has weakened but fundamentals suggest extreme downside may be limited. Focus areas to watch:
- Progress on Mexican border reopening for cattle imports
- Consumer reaction to high retail beef prices
- Implementation of China trade measures
- Government shutdown resolution impact on demand
Time will be needed for markets to find equilibrium amid these evolving factors. Maintaining flexibility in marketing plans is advised.
November 12, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
The cattle market continues to face headwinds from multiple factors, including potential import policy changes and technical selling pressure. Live cattle futures declined while feeders showed modest gains in mixed trading.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- CME December live cattle down 1.35 cents to 227.20 cents/lb
- CME January feeders up 0.325 cents to 329.15 cents/lb
- Cash cattle prices holding steadier than futures with Southern trade at $232/cwt
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Federal government reopening provides market support, but labor market concerns raise doubts about beef demand strength
2. China signals willingness to resume agricultural trade cooperation with Canada, potentially affecting global beef trade flows
3. USDA/China agreement on port fee suspension could reduce export costs for US beef shipments
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued volatility in the near term as markets digest multiple crosscurrents. While tight cattle supplies remain supportive, uncertainty around import policies and consumer demand could cap upside. The technical picture has weakened but fundamentals suggest extreme downside may be limited. Focus areas to watch:
- Progress on Mexican border reopening for cattle imports
- Consumer reaction to high retail beef prices
- Implementation of China trade measures
- Government shutdown resolution impact on demand
Time will be needed for markets to find equilibrium amid these evolving factors. Maintaining flexibility in marketing plans is advised.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.