DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 12, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Market remains fundamentally strong despite volatility from trade news and labor issues
- Record high cash cattle prices continue with $242-245 in South, $240-244 in North
- Tight supplies and robust demand maintaining overall bullish tone despite headlines
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $242.35, up $3.25
- Feeder Cattle: Mar futures at $367.45, up $2.67
- Choice Cutout: $365.92, down $1.63
- Cash Fed Cattle: $242-245, steady to $4 higher
- Weekly slaughter at 536,000 head, down 47,000 from last year
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley union workers authorize potential strike, though negotiations continue with no immediate walkout planned
2. Trump signs Argentina beef trade deal officially expanding low-tariff quota by 80,000 metric tons
3. FDA launches safety review of BHA preservative used in meat products and animal feed
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices supported by tight supplies, though with increased volatility from:
- Potential labor disruptions if JBS strike materializes
- Gradual increase in imports from Argentina trade deal
- Weather impacts as spring approaches
- Ongoing concerns about packer margins despite high boxed beef prices
Focus remains on maintaining current price levels through careful marketing timing while monitoring developments in labor negotiations and trade policy implementation. Record carcass weights partially offsetting lower head counts.
February 12, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Market remains fundamentally strong despite volatility from trade news and labor issues
- Record high cash cattle prices continue with $242-245 in South, $240-244 in North
- Tight supplies and robust demand maintaining overall bullish tone despite headlines
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $242.35, up $3.25
- Feeder Cattle: Mar futures at $367.45, up $2.67
- Choice Cutout: $365.92, down $1.63
- Cash Fed Cattle: $242-245, steady to $4 higher
- Weekly slaughter at 536,000 head, down 47,000 from last year
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley union workers authorize potential strike, though negotiations continue with no immediate walkout planned
2. Trump signs Argentina beef trade deal officially expanding low-tariff quota by 80,000 metric tons
3. FDA launches safety review of BHA preservative used in meat products and animal feed
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong prices supported by tight supplies, though with increased volatility from:
- Potential labor disruptions if JBS strike materializes
- Gradual increase in imports from Argentina trade deal
- Weather impacts as spring approaches
- Ongoing concerns about packer margins despite high boxed beef prices
Focus remains on maintaining current price levels through careful marketing timing while monitoring developments in labor negotiations and trade policy implementation. Record carcass weights partially offsetting lower head counts.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.