DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
Date: November 22, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (4/10)
Prices continuing downward trend with multiple headwinds, though fundamentals remain supportive longer-term.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: Down $3-5/cwt in both North ($225) and South ($228)
- December live cattle futures: Down $2.25 to $219.15/cwt (-11.8% from October high)
- Choice boxed beef cutout: Down 0.7% to $375.06/cwt
- Spreads widening between cattle prices and retail beef
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Mexican border reopening to feeder cattle imports and reduced Brazil beef tariffs putting downward pressure on prices
2. Administration announces $15B farm aid package coming in December to help struggling producers
3. Major price spreads emerging - retail beef-to-cattle spread increased $0.81/lb since 2020, indicating packer/retail margins expanding
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued near-term price pressure as Mexican imports resume and Brazilian beef enters market. However, tight domestic cattle supplies and strong consumer demand provide underlying support. Focus will be on Friday's delayed Cattle on Feed report for supply clarity. Consider risk management strategies given increased volatility.
Key factors to watch:
- Government Cattle on Feed report Friday
- Cash trade development at lower price levels
- Impact of resumed Mexican cattle flow
- Further policy moves on trade/prices
The market appears to be pricing in both Mexican cattle and Brazilian beef availability. While fundamentals remain historically tight, external factors are currently driving sentiment more than supply/demand dynamics.
Date: November 22, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (4/10)
Prices continuing downward trend with multiple headwinds, though fundamentals remain supportive longer-term.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: Down $3-5/cwt in both North ($225) and South ($228)
- December live cattle futures: Down $2.25 to $219.15/cwt (-11.8% from October high)
- Choice boxed beef cutout: Down 0.7% to $375.06/cwt
- Spreads widening between cattle prices and retail beef
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Mexican border reopening to feeder cattle imports and reduced Brazil beef tariffs putting downward pressure on prices
2. Administration announces $15B farm aid package coming in December to help struggling producers
3. Major price spreads emerging - retail beef-to-cattle spread increased $0.81/lb since 2020, indicating packer/retail margins expanding
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued near-term price pressure as Mexican imports resume and Brazilian beef enters market. However, tight domestic cattle supplies and strong consumer demand provide underlying support. Focus will be on Friday's delayed Cattle on Feed report for supply clarity. Consider risk management strategies given increased volatility.
Key factors to watch:
- Government Cattle on Feed report Friday
- Cash trade development at lower price levels
- Impact of resumed Mexican cattle flow
- Further policy moves on trade/prices
The market appears to be pricing in both Mexican cattle and Brazilian beef availability. While fundamentals remain historically tight, external factors are currently driving sentiment more than supply/demand dynamics.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.