DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 10, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
- Historically tight cattle supplies continue supporting strong prices
- Record-high quality grades (84% Choice or higher, 12% Prime) reinforcing premium pricing
- Some caution due to Mexican import restrictions and drought risks
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Fed cattle: $242-245 in the South; $238-245 live/$378 dressed in the North
- Futures: Live Cattle Feb $239.30 (+1.55), Apr $238.20 (+0.95)
- Feeder Cattle Mar $367.45 (+0.025), Apr $363.20 (+0.40)
- Choice cutout: $367.76 (-$1.57)
- Select cutout: $365.35 (+$0.82)
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- JBS Greeley workers vote to authorize strike, with 99% in favor
- USDA opens Texas facility to combat New World screwworm threat
- JBS announces $150M investment in Oman operations, expanding Middle East presence
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued strong pricing through H1 2026 on tight supplies
- Fed slaughter projected down 600,000 head vs 2025
- Slow herd rebuilding despite favorable prices
- Weather risks as La Niña transitions to potential El Niño
- Drought concerns persist in Southern U.S. and Central Plains
- Feed costs relief with corn expected in $4-5/bu range
Caution warranted on:
- Strike risk at JBS Greeley facility
- Mexican import restrictions due to screwworm
- Potential consumer resistance to further retail price increases
- Regional drought impacts on expansion plans
February 10, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
- Historically tight cattle supplies continue supporting strong prices
- Record-high quality grades (84% Choice or higher, 12% Prime) reinforcing premium pricing
- Some caution due to Mexican import restrictions and drought risks
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Fed cattle: $242-245 in the South; $238-245 live/$378 dressed in the North
- Futures: Live Cattle Feb $239.30 (+1.55), Apr $238.20 (+0.95)
- Feeder Cattle Mar $367.45 (+0.025), Apr $363.20 (+0.40)
- Choice cutout: $367.76 (-$1.57)
- Select cutout: $365.35 (+$0.82)
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
- JBS Greeley workers vote to authorize strike, with 99% in favor
- USDA opens Texas facility to combat New World screwworm threat
- JBS announces $150M investment in Oman operations, expanding Middle East presence
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued strong pricing through H1 2026 on tight supplies
- Fed slaughter projected down 600,000 head vs 2025
- Slow herd rebuilding despite favorable prices
- Weather risks as La Niña transitions to potential El Niño
- Drought concerns persist in Southern U.S. and Central Plains
- Feed costs relief with corn expected in $4-5/bu range
Caution warranted on:
- Strike risk at JBS Greeley facility
- Mexican import restrictions due to screwworm
- Potential consumer resistance to further retail price increases
- Regional drought impacts on expansion plans
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.