DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
December 24, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
Cattle markets are ending the year on a cautious note amid declining slaughter volumes, tight supplies, and demand uncertainty heading into 2026. The December Cattle on Feed report showed the smallest December inventory since 2017, while November placements hit series lows.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle traded $1 lower in the South at $229
- Choice cutout value at $355.77, down $7.10
- Select cutout at $349.59, down $1.10
- Current breakeven projections show $17.85/cwt losses on new placements
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. November slaughter down sharply (-11%) to 2.27M head with beef production falling 9% vs 2024
2. December 1 Cattle on Feed inventory at 97.9% of year ago, with November placements at just 88.8%
3. Empty feedlot pens spreading from south to north as operators hesitate to place high-priced cattle
OUTLOOK:
Producers face challenging conditions entering 2026 with:
- Continued tight cattle supplies and declining feedlot inventories
- Poor placement economics with high breakeven costs
- Demand uncertainty as retail prices remain elevated
- Some consolidation of feeding capacity expected in new year
Producers should focus on risk management given the volatile environment. While tight supplies provide support, demand concerns and high costs create downside risks that warrant caution in early 2026.
December 24, 2025
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
Cattle markets are ending the year on a cautious note amid declining slaughter volumes, tight supplies, and demand uncertainty heading into 2026. The December Cattle on Feed report showed the smallest December inventory since 2017, while November placements hit series lows.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle traded $1 lower in the South at $229
- Choice cutout value at $355.77, down $7.10
- Select cutout at $349.59, down $1.10
- Current breakeven projections show $17.85/cwt losses on new placements
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. November slaughter down sharply (-11%) to 2.27M head with beef production falling 9% vs 2024
2. December 1 Cattle on Feed inventory at 97.9% of year ago, with November placements at just 88.8%
3. Empty feedlot pens spreading from south to north as operators hesitate to place high-priced cattle
OUTLOOK:
Producers face challenging conditions entering 2026 with:
- Continued tight cattle supplies and declining feedlot inventories
- Poor placement economics with high breakeven costs
- Demand uncertainty as retail prices remain elevated
- Some consolidation of feeding capacity expected in new year
Producers should focus on risk management given the volatile environment. While tight supplies provide support, demand concerns and high costs create downside risks that warrant caution in early 2026.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.