DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
December 17, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
Cattle futures turned lower amid profit-taking and mixed wholesale prices, despite strong underlying fundamentals. Political rhetoric around beef prices adding uncertainty.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle traded $5 higher at $230/cwt in KS, TX, NE
- Choice beef cutout up $1.20 to $358.64/cwt
- Feeder cattle futures mixed but finding support from tight supplies
- Retail beef sales strong at $3.4B in November (+12.4% YoY)
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. EU vote on Mercosur trade deal faces delay as France seeks stronger farm safeguards and Italy holds key vote
2. French officials say lumpy skin disease outbreak now under control after vaccinating 1M cattle
3. USDA confirms first case of HPAI in Wisconsin dairy herd, says low risk to public/milk supply
OUTLOOK:
Near-term cattle prices expected to remain firm on tight supplies and strong holiday beef demand, but political pressure on prices and disease outbreaks adding uncertainty. Beef production forecast to decrease further in 2026 as herd rebuilding remains slow. Producers should expect continued price volatility but overall strong market fundamentals supporting values.
December 17, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
Cattle futures turned lower amid profit-taking and mixed wholesale prices, despite strong underlying fundamentals. Political rhetoric around beef prices adding uncertainty.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle traded $5 higher at $230/cwt in KS, TX, NE
- Choice beef cutout up $1.20 to $358.64/cwt
- Feeder cattle futures mixed but finding support from tight supplies
- Retail beef sales strong at $3.4B in November (+12.4% YoY)
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. EU vote on Mercosur trade deal faces delay as France seeks stronger farm safeguards and Italy holds key vote
2. French officials say lumpy skin disease outbreak now under control after vaccinating 1M cattle
3. USDA confirms first case of HPAI in Wisconsin dairy herd, says low risk to public/milk supply
OUTLOOK:
Near-term cattle prices expected to remain firm on tight supplies and strong holiday beef demand, but political pressure on prices and disease outbreaks adding uncertainty. Beef production forecast to decrease further in 2026 as herd rebuilding remains slow. Producers should expect continued price volatility but overall strong market fundamentals supporting values.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.