DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
November 13, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
Markets remain under pressure from multiple uncertainties, though showing some signs of technical support after recent selloffs. Futures trading mixed with live cattle down and feeders slightly higher.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures down 1.35 cents to 227.20 cents/lb
- Feeder cattle up marginally by 0.325 cents to 329.15 cents/lb
- Cash cattle markets: North steady at $230/cwt, South $3-4 lower at $232/cwt
- Wide basis between futures and cash prices persists
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Trump administration's Justice Department investigation into meatpackers over high beef prices creates market uncertainty, with potential for increased Argentine beef imports adding supply pressure
2. Progress reported in US-China agricultural trade talks, with potential removal of retaliatory tariffs and port fees that could boost export opportunities
3. Federal government reopening provides some stability, though labor market concerns weigh on beef demand outlook
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued volatility in the near term as markets digest multiple crosscurrents. While fundamentally tight supplies remain supportive, political and trade uncertainties are likely to keep pressure on prices. The technical picture remains challenged after recent selloffs, suggesting caution is warranted until clarity emerges on import policies and demand factors. Focus should be on risk management given elevated uncertainty levels.
Key action items for ranchers:
- Consider price protection on any rallies
- Monitor developments on Argentine/Brazilian import policies
- Watch cash market trends for signs of stabilization
November 13, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
Markets remain under pressure from multiple uncertainties, though showing some signs of technical support after recent selloffs. Futures trading mixed with live cattle down and feeders slightly higher.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures down 1.35 cents to 227.20 cents/lb
- Feeder cattle up marginally by 0.325 cents to 329.15 cents/lb
- Cash cattle markets: North steady at $230/cwt, South $3-4 lower at $232/cwt
- Wide basis between futures and cash prices persists
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Trump administration's Justice Department investigation into meatpackers over high beef prices creates market uncertainty, with potential for increased Argentine beef imports adding supply pressure
2. Progress reported in US-China agricultural trade talks, with potential removal of retaliatory tariffs and port fees that could boost export opportunities
3. Federal government reopening provides some stability, though labor market concerns weigh on beef demand outlook
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued volatility in the near term as markets digest multiple crosscurrents. While fundamentally tight supplies remain supportive, political and trade uncertainties are likely to keep pressure on prices. The technical picture remains challenged after recent selloffs, suggesting caution is warranted until clarity emerges on import policies and demand factors. Focus should be on risk management given elevated uncertainty levels.
Key action items for ranchers:
- Consider price protection on any rallies
- Monitor developments on Argentine/Brazilian import policies
- Watch cash market trends for signs of stabilization
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.