DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 10, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
Strong fundamentals and tight supplies continue supporting historically high prices, with cash cattle trading $5 higher at $365 dressed. Limited Mexican imports due to screwworm concerns further tightening supplies.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: $232-365 dressed, $5 higher than last week
- Choice cutout: $355.63, down $1.16
- Select cutout: $352.17, up $0.11
- Choice/Select spread narrowed to $3, seasonal low
- Feeder cattle index tracking higher, supporting futures
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Mexican screwworm cases down 57% since December, but USDA likely to maintain import restrictions as cases persist near Texas border
2. Record high quality grades reported, with 87.3% grading Choice or better
3. Empty feedlot pens becoming more common, especially in Texas, as operators resist buying high-priced replacements
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Historically tight cattle supplies
- Ongoing Mexican import restrictions
- Strong domestic demand despite high retail prices
- Record high quality grades supporting premium beef values
However, caution warranted as:
- High replacement costs straining feedlot margins
- Some consolidation expected in processing/feeding sectors
- Political pressure over inflation could impact markets
- Consumer resistance to higher retail prices possible
Producers should consider risk management strategies while maintaining flexibility to capture upside potential in this volatile but fundamentally strong market environment.
January 10, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
Strong fundamentals and tight supplies continue supporting historically high prices, with cash cattle trading $5 higher at $365 dressed. Limited Mexican imports due to screwworm concerns further tightening supplies.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: $232-365 dressed, $5 higher than last week
- Choice cutout: $355.63, down $1.16
- Select cutout: $352.17, up $0.11
- Choice/Select spread narrowed to $3, seasonal low
- Feeder cattle index tracking higher, supporting futures
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Mexican screwworm cases down 57% since December, but USDA likely to maintain import restrictions as cases persist near Texas border
2. Record high quality grades reported, with 87.3% grading Choice or better
3. Empty feedlot pens becoming more common, especially in Texas, as operators resist buying high-priced replacements
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices through Q1 2026 supported by:
- Historically tight cattle supplies
- Ongoing Mexican import restrictions
- Strong domestic demand despite high retail prices
- Record high quality grades supporting premium beef values
However, caution warranted as:
- High replacement costs straining feedlot margins
- Some consolidation expected in processing/feeding sectors
- Political pressure over inflation could impact markets
- Consumer resistance to higher retail prices possible
Producers should consider risk management strategies while maintaining flexibility to capture upside potential in this volatile but fundamentally strong market environment.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.