DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 11, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Sharp downturn in futures markets
- Labor disruption concerns at JBS Greeley
- Growing recession fears due to high energy prices
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash fed cattle: $240-242/cwt, down $2-4 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef: $387.22/cwt, up $7.45 for the week
- April live cattle futures: $234.575, trading well below cash
- Feeder cattle futures: Hit limit down on March 9
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
a) JBS Greeley workers set to strike March 16
- 3,800 workers gave 7-day strike notice
- Plant has suspended slaughter operations
- Other facilities absorbing cattle commitments
b) Slaughter volumes remain constrained
- Weekly kill at 521,000 head, down 58,000 from 2025
- Reduced throughput supporting wholesale beef prices
- Record heavy carcass weights partially offsetting lower kills
c) WASDE report forecasts higher cattle prices
- Beef production lowered on slower slaughter pace
- Export forecast reduced for first half of 2026
- Price projections raised through Q3 2026
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued volatility in the near term. While fundamentals remain supportive with tight supplies and strong beef demand, several headwinds have emerged:
- Potential JBS labor disruption could pressure cash prices temporarily
- Rising energy costs threaten consumer spending power
- Heavy carcass weights may pressure prices if kills increase
- Strong boxed beef prices suggest underlying demand remains intact
Recommendation: Consider price protection strategies for Q2-Q3 marketings given increased market uncertainty. Monitor JBS situation closely as resolution could spark quick price recovery.
March 11, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Bearish (3/10)
- Sharp downturn in futures markets
- Labor disruption concerns at JBS Greeley
- Growing recession fears due to high energy prices
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Cash fed cattle: $240-242/cwt, down $2-4 from previous week
- Choice boxed beef: $387.22/cwt, up $7.45 for the week
- April live cattle futures: $234.575, trading well below cash
- Feeder cattle futures: Hit limit down on March 9
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
a) JBS Greeley workers set to strike March 16
- 3,800 workers gave 7-day strike notice
- Plant has suspended slaughter operations
- Other facilities absorbing cattle commitments
b) Slaughter volumes remain constrained
- Weekly kill at 521,000 head, down 58,000 from 2025
- Reduced throughput supporting wholesale beef prices
- Record heavy carcass weights partially offsetting lower kills
c) WASDE report forecasts higher cattle prices
- Beef production lowered on slower slaughter pace
- Export forecast reduced for first half of 2026
- Price projections raised through Q3 2026
4. OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should expect continued volatility in the near term. While fundamentals remain supportive with tight supplies and strong beef demand, several headwinds have emerged:
- Potential JBS labor disruption could pressure cash prices temporarily
- Rising energy costs threaten consumer spending power
- Heavy carcass weights may pressure prices if kills increase
- Strong boxed beef prices suggest underlying demand remains intact
Recommendation: Consider price protection strategies for Q2-Q3 marketings given increased market uncertainty. Monitor JBS situation closely as resolution could spark quick price recovery.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.