DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 22, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Market fundamentals remain strong despite recent volatility
- Packers paying steady to $1 higher prices across regions
- Weather impacts supporting near-term price strength
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle trading mostly at $233-234
- Dressed prices steady at $365
- Choice cutout at $366.11 (up $1.35)
- Select cutout at $362.45 (up $2.61)
- Choice-Select spread narrowed to $2
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Severe winter weather across Plains states likely to impact cattle performance and transportation
- Show lists down in Texas, flat in Nebraska, up in Kansas
- Record high quality grading percentages, with carcass weights at 957# (33# over last year)
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from weather disruptions
- Continued strong fundamentals but potential volatility
- Steady to higher prices supported by:
* Reduced slaughter volumes (562k head, down 39k from 2024)
* Limited market-ready cattle supplies
* Strong retail demand maintaining box prices
* Severe winter weather impacts on performance
Key Risk Factors:
- Heavy placement weights from summer reaching market
- High-priced feeder cattle purchases pressuring margins
- Plant capacity adjustments following facility closure
- Potential market disruption from political announcements
January 22, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Market fundamentals remain strong despite recent volatility
- Packers paying steady to $1 higher prices across regions
- Weather impacts supporting near-term price strength
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle trading mostly at $233-234
- Dressed prices steady at $365
- Choice cutout at $366.11 (up $1.35)
- Select cutout at $362.45 (up $2.61)
- Choice-Select spread narrowed to $2
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- Severe winter weather across Plains states likely to impact cattle performance and transportation
- Show lists down in Texas, flat in Nebraska, up in Kansas
- Record high quality grading percentages, with carcass weights at 957# (33# over last year)
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from weather disruptions
- Continued strong fundamentals but potential volatility
- Steady to higher prices supported by:
* Reduced slaughter volumes (562k head, down 39k from 2024)
* Limited market-ready cattle supplies
* Strong retail demand maintaining box prices
* Severe winter weather impacts on performance
Key Risk Factors:
- Heavy placement weights from summer reaching market
- High-priced feeder cattle purchases pressuring margins
- Plant capacity adjustments following facility closure
- Potential market disruption from political announcements
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.