DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 20, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Major selloff in cattle futures driven by screwworm fears
- Long position holders showing significant nervousness
- Holiday weekend amplifying cautious sentiment
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- CME February live cattle down 3.900 cents to 232.150 cents/lb
- April live cattle futures dropped 4.450 cents to 233.975 cents/lb
- March feeder cattle fell sharply by 8.100 cents to 356.450 cents/lb
- Pork carcass prices holding steady at $93.63/cwt
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner warns screwworm parasite "inevitable" to cross from Mexico into US
- Mexican cattle imports remain suspended since May due to screwworm concerns
- Managed funds holding large net long positions vulnerable to further liquidation
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for:
- Continued price volatility ahead as screwworm situation develops
- Potential for additional downward pressure if funds continue liquidating positions
- Enhanced biosecurity measures may become necessary if screwworm reaches US herds
- Short-term technical support levels likely to be tested after holiday weekend
The combination of disease concerns and heavy fund positioning suggests continued market uncertainty through Q1 2026. Producers should consider risk management strategies to protect against further downside volatility.
January 20, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Major selloff in cattle futures driven by screwworm fears
- Long position holders showing significant nervousness
- Holiday weekend amplifying cautious sentiment
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- CME February live cattle down 3.900 cents to 232.150 cents/lb
- April live cattle futures dropped 4.450 cents to 233.975 cents/lb
- March feeder cattle fell sharply by 8.100 cents to 356.450 cents/lb
- Pork carcass prices holding steady at $93.63/cwt
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner warns screwworm parasite "inevitable" to cross from Mexico into US
- Mexican cattle imports remain suspended since May due to screwworm concerns
- Managed funds holding large net long positions vulnerable to further liquidation
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for:
- Continued price volatility ahead as screwworm situation develops
- Potential for additional downward pressure if funds continue liquidating positions
- Enhanced biosecurity measures may become necessary if screwworm reaches US herds
- Short-term technical support levels likely to be tested after holiday weekend
The combination of disease concerns and heavy fund positioning suggests continued market uncertainty through Q1 2026. Producers should consider risk management strategies to protect against further downside volatility.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.