DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
January 24, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish-Neutral (4/10)
Markets showing caution amid winter storm threats and ongoing screwworm concerns, though fundamentals remain supportive longer-term.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures down to $232.375 (Feb) and $234.825 (April)
- Cash fed cattle steady at $233-236, up $2-5 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef up $1.47 to $368.92
- Select-Choice spread narrowing to $2 differential
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Major winter storm expected to impact cattle areas and potentially disrupt demand as consumers stay home, with forecasts showing 1-2 feet of snow from Kansas-Oklahoma border to Ohio Valley
2. USDA January Cattle on Feed report shows total inventory down 3% year-over-year at 11.5 million head, with December placements down 5%
3. Tyson Foods proceeding with Lexington plant closure and Amarillo shift reduction, removing estimated 7,700 head of daily slaughter capacity
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect near-term price pressure from winter weather disruptions and reduced packer capacity, but longer-term supply fundamentals remain supportive. Key factors to watch:
- Weather impacts on cattle performance and beef demand
- Packer response to reduced capacity after Tyson closures
- Ongoing screwworm situation at Mexican border
- Strong retail beef demand despite high prices
Producers should focus on protecting cattle through the severe winter weather while maintaining flexibility in marketing plans given the uncertain near-term environment. The reduced processing capacity could create regional bottlenecks but tight supplies should help maintain overall price support.
January 24, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish-Neutral (4/10)
Markets showing caution amid winter storm threats and ongoing screwworm concerns, though fundamentals remain supportive longer-term.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle futures down to $232.375 (Feb) and $234.825 (April)
- Cash fed cattle steady at $233-236, up $2-5 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef up $1.47 to $368.92
- Select-Choice spread narrowing to $2 differential
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Major winter storm expected to impact cattle areas and potentially disrupt demand as consumers stay home, with forecasts showing 1-2 feet of snow from Kansas-Oklahoma border to Ohio Valley
2. USDA January Cattle on Feed report shows total inventory down 3% year-over-year at 11.5 million head, with December placements down 5%
3. Tyson Foods proceeding with Lexington plant closure and Amarillo shift reduction, removing estimated 7,700 head of daily slaughter capacity
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect near-term price pressure from winter weather disruptions and reduced packer capacity, but longer-term supply fundamentals remain supportive. Key factors to watch:
- Weather impacts on cattle performance and beef demand
- Packer response to reduced capacity after Tyson closures
- Ongoing screwworm situation at Mexican border
- Strong retail beef demand despite high prices
Producers should focus on protecting cattle through the severe winter weather while maintaining flexibility in marketing plans given the uncertain near-term environment. The reduced processing capacity could create regional bottlenecks but tight supplies should help maintain overall price support.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.