DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 13, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
Strong demand and tight supplies continue supporting prices despite some headwinds from plant closures and trade developments.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $242.50, steady to slightly higher
- Feeder Cattle: March futures at $365.73, down $1.73
- Choice Cutout: $364.84, down $1.08
- Select Cutout: $363.03, up $0.45
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Cargill announcing closure of Milwaukee meat processing facility in April 2026, affecting 221 workers and reducing processing capacity
2. Brazil considering individual beef export quotas to China after new safeguard tariffs implemented January 1st
3. FDA launching safety review of BHA preservative used in meat products, signaling increased scrutiny of food additives
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong pricing power in the near term, supported by:
- Limited market-ready cattle supplies
- Robust domestic demand despite high retail prices
- Processing capacity constraints from plant closures putting premium on available slots
- Weather moderating across key regions, potentially supporting spring grazing
However, watch for:
- Impact of China's new 55% tariff on over-quota beef imports
- Potential market disruption from preservative regulatory changes
- Processing capacity challenges as industry right-sizes to smaller herd
February 13, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
Strong demand and tight supplies continue supporting prices despite some headwinds from plant closures and trade developments.
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live Cattle: Feb futures at $242.50, steady to slightly higher
- Feeder Cattle: March futures at $365.73, down $1.73
- Choice Cutout: $364.84, down $1.08
- Select Cutout: $363.03, up $0.45
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Cargill announcing closure of Milwaukee meat processing facility in April 2026, affecting 221 workers and reducing processing capacity
2. Brazil considering individual beef export quotas to China after new safeguard tariffs implemented January 1st
3. FDA launching safety review of BHA preservative used in meat products, signaling increased scrutiny of food additives
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued strong pricing power in the near term, supported by:
- Limited market-ready cattle supplies
- Robust domestic demand despite high retail prices
- Processing capacity constraints from plant closures putting premium on available slots
- Weather moderating across key regions, potentially supporting spring grazing
However, watch for:
- Impact of China's new 55% tariff on over-quota beef imports
- Potential market disruption from preservative regulatory changes
- Processing capacity challenges as industry right-sizes to smaller herd
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.