DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
February 19, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
- Packers reporting large negative margins
- First losses in feeding sector in extended period
- Limited price improvement in boxed beef
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle: Cash trade $246-249 in South, $245-246 in North
- Choice cutout down $0.96 to $363.80
- Select cutout up $0.41 to $360.63
- Carcass weights up 32# from last year at 952#
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Weather concerns with high winds bringing wildfire risks to TX/OK/KS regions, potential impacts to feedyard operations
2. Slaughter volume at 541,000 head, down 21,000 from last year but up 6,000 from previous week
3. Quality grade trending down slightly to 88.5%, reflecting ongoing production challenges
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued pressure on margins in the near term as both packers and feeders face losses. Current market dynamics suggest:
- Expect delayed cattle purchases as packers manage throughput
- Weather disruptions could impact regional markets
- Spring demand improvements needed to help correct packer margins
- Limited upside potential until boxed beef prices show sustained strength
Key strategy focus should be on managing costs and timing of sales given the challenging margin environment across the supply chain. Weather risks require heightened attention to contingency planning, particularly in Southern Plains region.
February 19, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bearish (4/10)
- Packers reporting large negative margins
- First losses in feeding sector in extended period
- Limited price improvement in boxed beef
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle: Cash trade $246-249 in South, $245-246 in North
- Choice cutout down $0.96 to $363.80
- Select cutout up $0.41 to $360.63
- Carcass weights up 32# from last year at 952#
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. Weather concerns with high winds bringing wildfire risks to TX/OK/KS regions, potential impacts to feedyard operations
2. Slaughter volume at 541,000 head, down 21,000 from last year but up 6,000 from previous week
3. Quality grade trending down slightly to 88.5%, reflecting ongoing production challenges
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued pressure on margins in the near term as both packers and feeders face losses. Current market dynamics suggest:
- Expect delayed cattle purchases as packers manage throughput
- Weather disruptions could impact regional markets
- Spring demand improvements needed to help correct packer margins
- Limited upside potential until boxed beef prices show sustained strength
Key strategy focus should be on managing costs and timing of sales given the challenging margin environment across the supply chain. Weather risks require heightened attention to contingency planning, particularly in Southern Plains region.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.