DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
December 9, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
Cash markets rebounding strongly with $10-15 higher prices in the North and $5-6 higher in the South. Winter weather and tightening supplies supporting the upward momentum.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle cash: $220-226/cwt, up $10-15 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef: $361.20/cwt, down $5.62 for the week
- Weekly slaughter: 600,000 head, up 102,000 from prior week
- Futures: Live cattle and feeders recovering from 6-week decline
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Cash fed cattle markets rebounded significantly as packers paid up to fill December slaughter schedules, with Northern trade at $220-225
2. New World Screwworm case detected 120 miles south of border, adding support to futures
3. Record weekly slaughter volume of 600,000 head putting pressure on boxed beef prices
OUTLOOK:
Near-term mixed to positive as strong fundamentals battle seasonal headwinds:
- Tightening supplies continue supporting cash prices
- Winter weather disruptions could limit production
- Seasonal beef demand typically weakens post-holidays
- Technical resistance levels in futures around $232-233 for Feb live cattle
- Little evidence yet of significant heifer retention for herd rebuilding
Ranchers should consider that while immediate price strength continues, seasonal factors may limit upside potential through year-end. Consider scaling up marketings on price strength while maintaining flexibility for Q1 2026.
December 9, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
Cash markets rebounding strongly with $10-15 higher prices in the North and $5-6 higher in the South. Winter weather and tightening supplies supporting the upward momentum.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle cash: $220-226/cwt, up $10-15 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef: $361.20/cwt, down $5.62 for the week
- Weekly slaughter: 600,000 head, up 102,000 from prior week
- Futures: Live cattle and feeders recovering from 6-week decline
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Cash fed cattle markets rebounded significantly as packers paid up to fill December slaughter schedules, with Northern trade at $220-225
2. New World Screwworm case detected 120 miles south of border, adding support to futures
3. Record weekly slaughter volume of 600,000 head putting pressure on boxed beef prices
OUTLOOK:
Near-term mixed to positive as strong fundamentals battle seasonal headwinds:
- Tightening supplies continue supporting cash prices
- Winter weather disruptions could limit production
- Seasonal beef demand typically weakens post-holidays
- Technical resistance levels in futures around $232-233 for Feb live cattle
- Little evidence yet of significant heifer retention for herd rebuilding
Ranchers should consider that while immediate price strength continues, seasonal factors may limit upside potential through year-end. Consider scaling up marketings on price strength while maintaining flexibility for Q1 2026.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.