DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
December 4, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (7/10)
- Strong technical bounce in futures driven by cold weather impacts and holiday demand
- Reduced cow slaughter numbers signal potential herd rebuilding
- Cash markets showing resistance to downward pressure despite futures volatility
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures surged: February contract up 4.875 cents to 220.800 cents/lb
- Feeder cattle jumped: January contract up 8.800 cents to 329.875 cents/lb
- Choice beef cuts declined $4.17 to $364.72/cwt
- Cash cattle trading $215-220/cwt in Kansas/Texas regions
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Severe winter weather across Plains states driving cattle futures higher as cold stress expected to impact weights and performance
2. Beef cow slaughter down 19% this fall vs 2024, indicating potential early stages of herd rebuilding
3. Trump administration backs efforts to limit Roundup litigation liability, potentially affecting cattle industry regulations
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from weather impacts and holiday demand
- Continued tight supplies supporting overall price levels into 2026
- Growing evidence of herd rebuilding, though still needing slaughter rates below 40% of inventory for confirmed expansion
- Strong competition for replacement cattle as occupancy levels fall, particularly in Texas
- Weather risks to remain a key market factor through winter months
December 4, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (7/10)
- Strong technical bounce in futures driven by cold weather impacts and holiday demand
- Reduced cow slaughter numbers signal potential herd rebuilding
- Cash markets showing resistance to downward pressure despite futures volatility
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures surged: February contract up 4.875 cents to 220.800 cents/lb
- Feeder cattle jumped: January contract up 8.800 cents to 329.875 cents/lb
- Choice beef cuts declined $4.17 to $364.72/cwt
- Cash cattle trading $215-220/cwt in Kansas/Texas regions
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Severe winter weather across Plains states driving cattle futures higher as cold stress expected to impact weights and performance
2. Beef cow slaughter down 19% this fall vs 2024, indicating potential early stages of herd rebuilding
3. Trump administration backs efforts to limit Roundup litigation liability, potentially affecting cattle industry regulations
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from weather impacts and holiday demand
- Continued tight supplies supporting overall price levels into 2026
- Growing evidence of herd rebuilding, though still needing slaughter rates below 40% of inventory for confirmed expansion
- Strong competition for replacement cattle as occupancy levels fall, particularly in Texas
- Weather risks to remain a key market factor through winter months
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.