DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 23, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Markets recovering from Friday's panic selling on false screwworm rumors
- Strong underlying fundamentals remain intact despite volatility
- Cautious optimism prevails among feedyard operators
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $232.375, down $0.725
- Feeder Cattle: $363.725, up $0.500
- Cash fed cattle steady at $233/cwt South, $232-234/cwt North
- Choice boxed beef: $367.45, up $1.34
- Choice-Select spread narrowing seasonally
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- USDA debunks New World screwworm rumors that caused Friday market plunge
- Severe winter weather system approaching, likely to impact cattle performance
- USDA announces $100M funding for screwworm prevention research/control
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from tight supplies (weekly slaughter down 39,000 from last year)
- Weather impacts as major winter storm approaches (potential performance/marketing disruptions)
- Continued strong retail values (all-fresh beef $9.55/lb, up 18.2% year-over-year)
- Sustained market volatility as industry navigates weather challenges and trade uncertainties
The fundamentals remain supportive with reduced slaughter volumes and strong retail demand, though severe weather could temporarily disrupt markets. Focus remains on protecting young calves from approaching winter conditions while maintaining orderly marketing despite weather challenges.
January 23, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Markets recovering from Friday's panic selling on false screwworm rumors
- Strong underlying fundamentals remain intact despite volatility
- Cautious optimism prevails among feedyard operators
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $232.375, down $0.725
- Feeder Cattle: $363.725, up $0.500
- Cash fed cattle steady at $233/cwt South, $232-234/cwt North
- Choice boxed beef: $367.45, up $1.34
- Choice-Select spread narrowing seasonally
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- USDA debunks New World screwworm rumors that caused Friday market plunge
- Severe winter weather system approaching, likely to impact cattle performance
- USDA announces $100M funding for screwworm prevention research/control
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from tight supplies (weekly slaughter down 39,000 from last year)
- Weather impacts as major winter storm approaches (potential performance/marketing disruptions)
- Continued strong retail values (all-fresh beef $9.55/lb, up 18.2% year-over-year)
- Sustained market volatility as industry navigates weather challenges and trade uncertainties
The fundamentals remain supportive with reduced slaughter volumes and strong retail demand, though severe weather could temporarily disrupt markets. Focus remains on protecting young calves from approaching winter conditions while maintaining orderly marketing despite weather challenges.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.