DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
December 5, 2025
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BULLISH (7.5/10)
- Strong upward momentum in futures markets
- Cash cattle prices trending higher with $220-222/cwt live trades
- Tight supplies and winter weather supporting prices
- Quality grading remains strong at 86.4%, up 1.2% from previous week
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures: February contract at $221.90, up $4.875
- Feeder cattle: January contract at $331.85, up $8.80
- Cash cattle: $220-222 live, $340-345 dressed (both $10-15 higher)
- Choice cutout: $362.72 (-$1.09)
- Select cutout: $350.32 (-$2.80)
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Severe winter weather across Plains creating cattle stress and transportation issues
- Record carcass weights at 960 lbs, 41 lbs heavier than last year
- Holiday-shortened slaughter at 499,000 head, down 86,000 from previous week
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued price strength through year-end due to weather impacts
- Reduced slaughter capacity following Tyson's announced Lexington plant closure
- Strong holiday beef demand supporting prices
- Potential for higher prices as packers compete for tight supplies
- Growing importance of USDA Prime grade over Select in price reporting
December 5, 2025
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BULLISH (7.5/10)
- Strong upward momentum in futures markets
- Cash cattle prices trending higher with $220-222/cwt live trades
- Tight supplies and winter weather supporting prices
- Quality grading remains strong at 86.4%, up 1.2% from previous week
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures: February contract at $221.90, up $4.875
- Feeder cattle: January contract at $331.85, up $8.80
- Cash cattle: $220-222 live, $340-345 dressed (both $10-15 higher)
- Choice cutout: $362.72 (-$1.09)
- Select cutout: $350.32 (-$2.80)
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Severe winter weather across Plains creating cattle stress and transportation issues
- Record carcass weights at 960 lbs, 41 lbs heavier than last year
- Holiday-shortened slaughter at 499,000 head, down 86,000 from previous week
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued price strength through year-end due to weather impacts
- Reduced slaughter capacity following Tyson's announced Lexington plant closure
- Strong holiday beef demand supporting prices
- Potential for higher prices as packers compete for tight supplies
- Growing importance of USDA Prime grade over Select in price reporting
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.