DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
December 13, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Strong cash market gains offset by weaker wholesale beef prices
- Tight supplies continue supporting prices despite demand headwinds
- Packer margins have turned negative at -$32/head
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle traded $5 higher at $230/cwt in all major regions
- Choice boxed beef declined to $358.11/cwt, down $1.25
- Feb live cattle futures hit 7-week high at 230.95 cents/lb
- Feeder cattle index tracking higher with cash market strength
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS announced closure of California beef processing plant effective Feb 2026, citing need to optimize operations amid tight cattle supplies
2. Disease outbreaks (lumpy skin disease in France, continued Mexican border closure) further constraining global supplies
3. Rabobank projects first global reduction in beef production in 6 years for 2026 as herds remain tight
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong cash prices into early 2026 supported by:
- Historically tight cattle supplies with limited signs of herd expansion
- Reduced processing capacity with JBS plant closure
- Strong futures market technical signals
- However, weakening wholesale beef prices and negative packer margins could create resistance to further significant price gains
Producers should consider taking advantage of current price levels for Q1 2026 marketings while maintaining flexibility on remaining inventory as supply fundamentals remain supportive.
December 13, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Strong cash market gains offset by weaker wholesale beef prices
- Tight supplies continue supporting prices despite demand headwinds
- Packer margins have turned negative at -$32/head
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle traded $5 higher at $230/cwt in all major regions
- Choice boxed beef declined to $358.11/cwt, down $1.25
- Feb live cattle futures hit 7-week high at 230.95 cents/lb
- Feeder cattle index tracking higher with cash market strength
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS announced closure of California beef processing plant effective Feb 2026, citing need to optimize operations amid tight cattle supplies
2. Disease outbreaks (lumpy skin disease in France, continued Mexican border closure) further constraining global supplies
3. Rabobank projects first global reduction in beef production in 6 years for 2026 as herds remain tight
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong cash prices into early 2026 supported by:
- Historically tight cattle supplies with limited signs of herd expansion
- Reduced processing capacity with JBS plant closure
- Strong futures market technical signals
- However, weakening wholesale beef prices and negative packer margins could create resistance to further significant price gains
Producers should consider taking advantage of current price levels for Q1 2026 marketings while maintaining flexibility on remaining inventory as supply fundamentals remain supportive.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.