DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 6, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Strongly Bullish (8/10)
- Futures surging on screwworm concerns and tight supplies
- Cash markets showing strength with packers bidding $1-2 higher
- Strong export demand persisting despite high prices
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures hit highest level since October at $236.00
- Feeder cattle futures surged to $352.95, also highest since October
- Choice boxed beef up $3.73 to $353.70
- Select cuts gained $4.58 to $351.50
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Two new screwworm cases detected in Mexico (Tamaulipas and State of Mexico), keeping US border closed to cattle imports and tightening domestic supplies
2. Tyson Foods agrees to $82.5M settlement in beef price-fixing lawsuit with grocers
3. Brazil beef exports exceeded 3.1M tonnes in 2025, up 8.4% YOY, adding competitive pressure to global markets
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Ongoing US-Mexico border closure limiting feeder cattle supplies
- Plant closures by Tyson reducing processing capacity
- Seasonally tight supplies amplified by current market conditions
- However, high retail prices may test consumer demand limits
- Processing consolidation could impact leverage in cash markets
Recommendation: Consider locking in current strong prices for Q1-Q2 marketings while maintaining flexibility for potential further upside if supply constraints persist.
January 6, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Strongly Bullish (8/10)
- Futures surging on screwworm concerns and tight supplies
- Cash markets showing strength with packers bidding $1-2 higher
- Strong export demand persisting despite high prices
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures hit highest level since October at $236.00
- Feeder cattle futures surged to $352.95, also highest since October
- Choice boxed beef up $3.73 to $353.70
- Select cuts gained $4.58 to $351.50
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Two new screwworm cases detected in Mexico (Tamaulipas and State of Mexico), keeping US border closed to cattle imports and tightening domestic supplies
2. Tyson Foods agrees to $82.5M settlement in beef price-fixing lawsuit with grocers
3. Brazil beef exports exceeded 3.1M tonnes in 2025, up 8.4% YOY, adding competitive pressure to global markets
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Ongoing US-Mexico border closure limiting feeder cattle supplies
- Plant closures by Tyson reducing processing capacity
- Seasonally tight supplies amplified by current market conditions
- However, high retail prices may test consumer demand limits
- Processing consolidation could impact leverage in cash markets
Recommendation: Consider locking in current strong prices for Q1-Q2 marketings while maintaining flexibility for potential further upside if supply constraints persist.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.