DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
March 20, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Cash cattle trade showing strength despite processor attempts to buy lower
- Tight supplies continue to support prices despite demand headwinds
- Positive packer margins emerging, encouraging higher slaughter rates
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS
- Cash cattle trading mostly $235/cwt live basis, with Texas up to $236
- Dressed sales at $372
- Prices $5-8 lower than previous week
- Feeder cattle seeing significant gains: $10-20 higher in Oklahoma markets
- Carcass weights at 959 lbs, 44 lbs above last year
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- Nebraska wildfires have burned over 700,000 acres, largest in state history
- Commercial beef production down 4% year-over-year in February
- New World screwworm threat approaching Texas-Mexico border requiring producer preparedness
4. OUTLOOK
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from reduced cattle supplies and improving packer margins
- Weather volatility affecting both operations and markets
- Regional supply chain disruptions from wildfires and plant closures
- Growing pressure from vertical integration as retailers enter meat packing
- Continued drought concerns, particularly in Southwest and Plains regions
WATCH ITEMS:
- Extreme weather patterns affecting multiple regions
- Interest rate expectations shifting toward flat/higher
- Growing concerns about demand at current price levels
- Drought monitor showing stress in Texas/Oklahoma Panhandles
March 20, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: Moderately Bullish (7/10)
- Cash cattle trade showing strength despite processor attempts to buy lower
- Tight supplies continue to support prices despite demand headwinds
- Positive packer margins emerging, encouraging higher slaughter rates
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS
- Cash cattle trading mostly $235/cwt live basis, with Texas up to $236
- Dressed sales at $372
- Prices $5-8 lower than previous week
- Feeder cattle seeing significant gains: $10-20 higher in Oklahoma markets
- Carcass weights at 959 lbs, 44 lbs above last year
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS
- Nebraska wildfires have burned over 700,000 acres, largest in state history
- Commercial beef production down 4% year-over-year in February
- New World screwworm threat approaching Texas-Mexico border requiring producer preparedness
4. OUTLOOK
Ranchers should expect:
- Near-term price support from reduced cattle supplies and improving packer margins
- Weather volatility affecting both operations and markets
- Regional supply chain disruptions from wildfires and plant closures
- Growing pressure from vertical integration as retailers enter meat packing
- Continued drought concerns, particularly in Southwest and Plains regions
WATCH ITEMS:
- Extreme weather patterns affecting multiple regions
- Interest rate expectations shifting toward flat/higher
- Growing concerns about demand at current price levels
- Drought monitor showing stress in Texas/Oklahoma Panhandles
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.