DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 3, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish - 8/10
Record-low cattle numbers and persistent supply tightness driving strongly bullish sentiment despite some macroeconomic headwinds.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: April futures up $2.72 to $239.52
- Feeder Cattle: March futures up $6.07 to $366.35
- Cash cattle traded $5 higher at $240-241 live
- Choice boxed beef up $2.14 to $367.70/cwt
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. USDA January 1 inventory confirms smallest cattle herd since 1951 at 86.2M head, with beef cow numbers down 1% to 27.6M
2. Screwworm concerns intensify - USDA to release sterile flies near Texas border as preventative measure against spread from Mexico
3. Tyson Foods reports beef segment losses due to high cattle costs but sees sustained strong demand shifting to chicken
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong pricing power through 2027 based on:
- Historically tight supplies with no signs of meaningful herd rebuilding
- Border closures limiting Mexican cattle imports
- Major packers like Tyson confirming multi-year supply constraints
- Record retail beef prices shifting some demand to other proteins
However, watch for potential headwinds from:
- Consumer resistance to high retail prices
- Growing protein competition, especially from chicken
- Ongoing screwworm situation potentially disrupting Mexican trade flows
February 3, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish - 8/10
Record-low cattle numbers and persistent supply tightness driving strongly bullish sentiment despite some macroeconomic headwinds.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: April futures up $2.72 to $239.52
- Feeder Cattle: March futures up $6.07 to $366.35
- Cash cattle traded $5 higher at $240-241 live
- Choice boxed beef up $2.14 to $367.70/cwt
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. USDA January 1 inventory confirms smallest cattle herd since 1951 at 86.2M head, with beef cow numbers down 1% to 27.6M
2. Screwworm concerns intensify - USDA to release sterile flies near Texas border as preventative measure against spread from Mexico
3. Tyson Foods reports beef segment losses due to high cattle costs but sees sustained strong demand shifting to chicken
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong pricing power through 2027 based on:
- Historically tight supplies with no signs of meaningful herd rebuilding
- Border closures limiting Mexican cattle imports
- Major packers like Tyson confirming multi-year supply constraints
- Record retail beef prices shifting some demand to other proteins
However, watch for potential headwinds from:
- Consumer resistance to high retail prices
- Growing protein competition, especially from chicken
- Ongoing screwworm situation potentially disrupting Mexican trade flows
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.