DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 14, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Strongly Bearish (2/10)
- Sharp decline in cash cattle prices and futures amid multiple bearish factors
- Packers leveraging Greeley plant closure and reduced slaughter to pressure market
- Rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions creating additional headwinds
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle sales $5-8 lower at $233-236 in major regions
- Iowa/Nebraska dressed sales at $372
- Weekly slaughter at 521,000 head, down 58,000 from last year
- Carcass weights up 40# from last year at 960#
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley plant workers set to strike Monday, with 3,800 workers walking out and slaughter already cancelled for next week
2. Middle East conflict causing major disruption to global feed supply chains with both Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz routes impacted
3. USDA awarded $1.67M in worker assistance following Tyson Lexington plant closure, highlighting ongoing industry consolidation
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued downward price pressure in the near term due to:
- Reduced slaughter capacity from plant closures and labor issues
- Rising input costs from feed supply disruptions and higher energy prices
- Packer leverage increasing as they manage reduced capacity
- Early signs of consumer resistance to record retail beef prices ($9.64/lb all-fresh)
Recommend focusing on cost management and exploring alternative marketing arrangements as industry works through significant structural changes. Quality grade remains strong at 90% Choice/Prime but may decline seasonally into summer.
March 14, 2026
MARKET SENTIMENT: Strongly Bearish (2/10)
- Sharp decline in cash cattle prices and futures amid multiple bearish factors
- Packers leveraging Greeley plant closure and reduced slaughter to pressure market
- Rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions creating additional headwinds
KEY PRICE TRENDS:
- Live cattle sales $5-8 lower at $233-236 in major regions
- Iowa/Nebraska dressed sales at $372
- Weekly slaughter at 521,000 head, down 58,000 from last year
- Carcass weights up 40# from last year at 960#
TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
1. JBS Greeley plant workers set to strike Monday, with 3,800 workers walking out and slaughter already cancelled for next week
2. Middle East conflict causing major disruption to global feed supply chains with both Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz routes impacted
3. USDA awarded $1.67M in worker assistance following Tyson Lexington plant closure, highlighting ongoing industry consolidation
OUTLOOK:
Ranchers should prepare for continued downward price pressure in the near term due to:
- Reduced slaughter capacity from plant closures and labor issues
- Rising input costs from feed supply disruptions and higher energy prices
- Packer leverage increasing as they manage reduced capacity
- Early signs of consumer resistance to record retail beef prices ($9.64/lb all-fresh)
Recommend focusing on cost management and exploring alternative marketing arrangements as industry works through significant structural changes. Quality grade remains strong at 90% Choice/Prime but may decline seasonally into summer.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.