DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 17, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Cash cattle prices trending higher despite packer losses
- Strong demand persists despite record-high prices
- Replacement market remains competitive despite high costs
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle: Cash prices $2-5 higher, reaching $246-249 in the South
- Choice cutout at $367.77, up $3.30
- Select cutout at $361.23, down $2.19
- Feeder cattle seeing $10-20/cwt gains at major auctions
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
a) Tyson plant closure forcing industry adjustments, though minimal logistical disruption due to central location
b) Argentine beef import quota increased from 20,000 to 100,000 metric tons via executive order
c) Both packers and feeders currently operating at losses, creating unstable market dynamics
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued tight supplies supporting prices through spring
- Herd rebuilding delays due to ongoing drought concerns
- Potential market volatility from Mexican border reopening uncertainty
- Limited downside price risk near-term despite packer margin pressure
- Challenging profitability for new feeder cattle purchases at current levels
Additional Factors to Watch:
- Weather forecasts showing warming trend could boost beef demand
- Quality grades remain strong at 88.5%
- Carcass weights up 32# from last year at 952#
- Slaughter volume at 541,000 head, down 21,000 from last year
February 17, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Cash cattle prices trending higher despite packer losses
- Strong demand persists despite record-high prices
- Replacement market remains competitive despite high costs
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle: Cash prices $2-5 higher, reaching $246-249 in the South
- Choice cutout at $367.77, up $3.30
- Select cutout at $361.23, down $2.19
- Feeder cattle seeing $10-20/cwt gains at major auctions
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
a) Tyson plant closure forcing industry adjustments, though minimal logistical disruption due to central location
b) Argentine beef import quota increased from 20,000 to 100,000 metric tons via executive order
c) Both packers and feeders currently operating at losses, creating unstable market dynamics
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect:
- Continued tight supplies supporting prices through spring
- Herd rebuilding delays due to ongoing drought concerns
- Potential market volatility from Mexican border reopening uncertainty
- Limited downside price risk near-term despite packer margin pressure
- Challenging profitability for new feeder cattle purchases at current levels
Additional Factors to Watch:
- Weather forecasts showing warming trend could boost beef demand
- Quality grades remain strong at 88.5%
- Carcass weights up 32# from last year at 952#
- Slaughter volume at 541,000 head, down 21,000 from last year
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.