DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 7, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
Market sentiment has turned decidedly bearish as multiple headwinds emerge, including expanded Argentine beef imports, ongoing China market closure, and labor disputes at a major processing facility.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: $242-245 in South, $238-244 in North
- Live Cattle Futures: Feb LC at $237.75 (+2.50)
- Choice Cutout: $369.33 (+2.08)
- Carcass weights down 11# on winter weather impacts
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Trump administration quadrupling Argentine beef imports to 100,000 tons, formalizing earlier trade agreement to expand access
2. JBS Greeley workers vote 99% to authorize strike over safety/wage concerns
3. China market remains closed to most U.S. beef with little progress on facility re-certification
OUTLOOK:
Producers should prepare for increased price pressure as expanded Argentine imports (potentially 4% of total imports) add supply while China access remains restricted. The potential JBS Greeley strike could disrupt processing capacity in the near-term. However, historically tight cattle numbers (lowest since 1951) and strong domestic demand continue providing fundamental support. Producers with cattle to market in Q1 may want to consider locking in current price levels given growing headwinds. Weather remains a wildcard with ongoing drought risks in key regions through spring.
February 7, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
Market sentiment has turned decidedly bearish as multiple headwinds emerge, including expanded Argentine beef imports, ongoing China market closure, and labor disputes at a major processing facility.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash cattle: $242-245 in South, $238-244 in North
- Live Cattle Futures: Feb LC at $237.75 (+2.50)
- Choice Cutout: $369.33 (+2.08)
- Carcass weights down 11# on winter weather impacts
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Trump administration quadrupling Argentine beef imports to 100,000 tons, formalizing earlier trade agreement to expand access
2. JBS Greeley workers vote 99% to authorize strike over safety/wage concerns
3. China market remains closed to most U.S. beef with little progress on facility re-certification
OUTLOOK:
Producers should prepare for increased price pressure as expanded Argentine imports (potentially 4% of total imports) add supply while China access remains restricted. The potential JBS Greeley strike could disrupt processing capacity in the near-term. However, historically tight cattle numbers (lowest since 1951) and strong domestic demand continue providing fundamental support. Producers with cattle to market in Q1 may want to consider locking in current price levels given growing headwinds. Weather remains a wildcard with ongoing drought risks in key regions through spring.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.