DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 11, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
- Record-high cash prices matching fall 2025 peaks at $245
- Extremely tight supplies continue supporting strong prices despite trade headlines
- Cattle feeders maintaining leverage over packers
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash fed cattle: $242-245, up $1-4 from last week
- April live cattle futures: Volatile $10 range, closed slightly higher
- Feeder cattle index near record at $374-375
- Choice boxed beef: Up $3.77 for the week to $367.55
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley workers authorize potential strike, though negotiations continuing
2. Trump signs Argentina beef import quota increase to 100,000 tons
3. USDA opening Texas facility to combat screwworm threat from Mexico
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong pricing power in the near term due to:
- Historically tight cattle supplies with herd at 75-year low
- Strong domestic demand despite record retail prices
- Limited impact from Argentina trade deal focused on lean trim
- Potential supply disruption if JBS labor dispute escalates
However, monitor:
- JBS labor negotiations that could affect processing capacity
- Implementation timeline of Argentina import quota
- Mexican border situation affecting feeder cattle flow
- Spring weather impacts on herd rebuilding decisions
The market fundamentals remain firmly bullish despite headline volatility, with limited downside risk in the near term as supplies stay historically tight.
February 11, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Bullish (8/10)
- Record-high cash prices matching fall 2025 peaks at $245
- Extremely tight supplies continue supporting strong prices despite trade headlines
- Cattle feeders maintaining leverage over packers
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash fed cattle: $242-245, up $1-4 from last week
- April live cattle futures: Volatile $10 range, closed slightly higher
- Feeder cattle index near record at $374-375
- Choice boxed beef: Up $3.77 for the week to $367.55
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley workers authorize potential strike, though negotiations continuing
2. Trump signs Argentina beef import quota increase to 100,000 tons
3. USDA opening Texas facility to combat screwworm threat from Mexico
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong pricing power in the near term due to:
- Historically tight cattle supplies with herd at 75-year low
- Strong domestic demand despite record retail prices
- Limited impact from Argentina trade deal focused on lean trim
- Potential supply disruption if JBS labor dispute escalates
However, monitor:
- JBS labor negotiations that could affect processing capacity
- Implementation timeline of Argentina import quota
- Mexican border situation affecting feeder cattle flow
- Spring weather impacts on herd rebuilding decisions
The market fundamentals remain firmly bullish despite headline volatility, with limited downside risk in the near term as supplies stay historically tight.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.