DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 7, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish - 8/10
Strong fundamentals and tight supplies continue driving prices higher despite lingering uncertainties around Mexican imports and plant closures.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures near $236, regaining most Q4 2025 losses
- Feeder cattle futures above $350, up sharply from November lows
- Choice boxed beef cutout at $351.25, down $2.45
- Cash fed cattle trading $231-232 in the South, $360 dressed in North
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Two new screwworm cases detected in Mexico (goat in Mexico State, cow in Tamaulipas) keeping US border closed to cattle imports and supplies tight
2. Tyson Foods agrees to $82.5M settlement in beef price-fixing lawsuit with grocery stores over alleged supply restrictions during 2015-2022
3. Show lists larger this week but packer inventories small; limited early-week trade expected with packers operating in the red
OUTLOOK:
Near-term fundamentals remain supportive of strong prices with:
- Continued tight supplies exacerbated by Mexican border closure
- Strong domestic demand despite record retail prices
- Feedlot placements trending lower, especially in Texas
- Packers likely to need inventory with full slaughter week ahead
However, producers should monitor:
- Plant capacity reductions as Tyson implements closures
- Potential Mexican border reopening timeline
- Rising concerns about consumer resistance to high retail prices
- Ongoing processor margin pressures that could limit upside
January 7, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish - 8/10
Strong fundamentals and tight supplies continue driving prices higher despite lingering uncertainties around Mexican imports and plant closures.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures near $236, regaining most Q4 2025 losses
- Feeder cattle futures above $350, up sharply from November lows
- Choice boxed beef cutout at $351.25, down $2.45
- Cash fed cattle trading $231-232 in the South, $360 dressed in North
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Two new screwworm cases detected in Mexico (goat in Mexico State, cow in Tamaulipas) keeping US border closed to cattle imports and supplies tight
2. Tyson Foods agrees to $82.5M settlement in beef price-fixing lawsuit with grocery stores over alleged supply restrictions during 2015-2022
3. Show lists larger this week but packer inventories small; limited early-week trade expected with packers operating in the red
OUTLOOK:
Near-term fundamentals remain supportive of strong prices with:
- Continued tight supplies exacerbated by Mexican border closure
- Strong domestic demand despite record retail prices
- Feedlot placements trending lower, especially in Texas
- Packers likely to need inventory with full slaughter week ahead
However, producers should monitor:
- Plant capacity reductions as Tyson implements closures
- Potential Mexican border reopening timeline
- Rising concerns about consumer resistance to high retail prices
- Ongoing processor margin pressures that could limit upside
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.