DAILY CATTLE MARKET BRIEFING
April 9, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BULLISH - 8/10
The market remains firmly bullish with multiple positive developments. The resolution of both the Iran conflict and JBS Greeley strike removes two major market uncertainties, while tight cattle supplies continue supporting strong prices across all weight classes.
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
• Fed cattle prices surged $8-13 higher last week, reaching $245-247/cwt live and $385/cwt dressed
• Feeder cattle prices show continued strength, up 21-38% year-over-year in southeastern markets
• Boxed beef values weakened slightly as packers anticipate increased production with JBS Greeley's return
• Carcass weights averaging 957 lbs, 42 lbs heavier than last year but 9 lbs lower than previous week
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
• IRAN CONFLICT DE-ESCALATION: Two-week ceasefire agreement reopens Strait of Hormuz, reducing energy costs and recession fears that threatened to end the cattle bull market
• JBS GREELEY WORKERS RETURN: Nearly 3,800 striking workers return April 7 without a formal agreement, negotiations resume April 9-10, restoring 5% of national beef processing capacity
• MEXICO BORDER REOPENING IMMINENT: USDA Secretary Rollins indicated a phased reopening of the US-Mexico border for cattle imports within 2-4 weeks, likely starting with western ports
4. OUTLOOK:
Producers should expect continued price strength through spring and early summer, traditionally the strongest beef demand period of the year. The JBS Greeley plant reopening will normalize slaughter capacity, but packers will still compete aggressively for tight cattle supplies. The futures market structure (April > June > August) incentivizes pulling cattle ahead, which should reduce weights and further tighten beef supplies.
Drought conditions expanding across southern regions may delay herd rebuilding efforts, supporting prices longer term. When Mexican cattle imports resume, volumes will likely build slowly due to regulatory requirements and summer heat limitations.
The price structure favors risk management opportunities, especially for recently born calves. Producers should evaluate futures, options, or USDA Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) programs while prices remain historically strong.
April 9, 2026
1. MARKET SENTIMENT: BULLISH - 8/10
The market remains firmly bullish with multiple positive developments. The resolution of both the Iran conflict and JBS Greeley strike removes two major market uncertainties, while tight cattle supplies continue supporting strong prices across all weight classes.
2. KEY PRICE TRENDS:
• Fed cattle prices surged $8-13 higher last week, reaching $245-247/cwt live and $385/cwt dressed
• Feeder cattle prices show continued strength, up 21-38% year-over-year in southeastern markets
• Boxed beef values weakened slightly as packers anticipate increased production with JBS Greeley's return
• Carcass weights averaging 957 lbs, 42 lbs heavier than last year but 9 lbs lower than previous week
3. TOP 3 NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
• IRAN CONFLICT DE-ESCALATION: Two-week ceasefire agreement reopens Strait of Hormuz, reducing energy costs and recession fears that threatened to end the cattle bull market
• JBS GREELEY WORKERS RETURN: Nearly 3,800 striking workers return April 7 without a formal agreement, negotiations resume April 9-10, restoring 5% of national beef processing capacity
• MEXICO BORDER REOPENING IMMINENT: USDA Secretary Rollins indicated a phased reopening of the US-Mexico border for cattle imports within 2-4 weeks, likely starting with western ports
4. OUTLOOK:
Producers should expect continued price strength through spring and early summer, traditionally the strongest beef demand period of the year. The JBS Greeley plant reopening will normalize slaughter capacity, but packers will still compete aggressively for tight cattle supplies. The futures market structure (April > June > August) incentivizes pulling cattle ahead, which should reduce weights and further tighten beef supplies.
Drought conditions expanding across southern regions may delay herd rebuilding efforts, supporting prices longer term. When Mexican cattle imports resume, volumes will likely build slowly due to regulatory requirements and summer heat limitations.
The price structure favors risk management opportunities, especially for recently born calves. Producers should evaluate futures, options, or USDA Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) programs while prices remain historically strong.
For more detailed information or specific market data, please contact your local extension office or market analyst.