A recent retreat in the cattle markets is due to funds backing off long positions, according to analysts

Traders are closely watching the cattle markets after an interesting couple of weeks. One advisor says he has been watching the funds back off long positions.

“You’re seeing what I think is some exit by funds. They’ve been strongly long in the cattle, and it flipped over last week. You’ve had weaker cutout values as well, and they’ve taken a pretty good hit this week. So, the combination of the two puts the market in motion. It uncovers Sell-Stop orders, which are sales that aren’t necessarily intended, but they happen when you’re either exiting a long position or establishing a new short position. So, you get a combination of things, and that’s why sometimes the market moves really fast. It’s because you’ve got different angles all coming together at one point,” said Bryan Doherty.

Doherty says despite all of the action, he is not concerned in the long run.

“I’m not concerned that there’s going to be a whole bunch of shorts coming in on the big-picture perspective. From the near-term picture perspective, I am concerned that there’s technical weakness in front of the market and money flow, but from the supply side, they just aren’t there, and the cattle inventory report this last week confirmed that we’re down one percent from last year. When does this herd stop shrinking? That’s a good question.”

This month’s Cattle on Feed report showed the herd down a percent from this time last year.

Related Stories
While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
FWSSR Communications Director Matt Brockman discusses the event’s competitions, safety preparations, and family-friendly activities during the opening weekend.
From Junior Heifer Shows to Mustang Magic competitions, the 23-day event brings together 4-H and FFA participants, livestock enthusiasts, and families to celebrate North Texas’ rich Western heritage.
Dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, her experience at the signing, and what’s next for her family and farm.
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

UT Extension also offers tips to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets, including meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing store or generic brands.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has four years remaining in her Senate term and could decide to continue serving in that role while campaigning for Governor of Minnesota.
STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss joined us with a preview of “Meet Strauss: The Tool You Wear,” premiering live tonight at 7:30 ET — only on RFD Network and RFD+
FarmHER Chris Nellis and her daughters navigate loss while carrying on a 300-year farm legacy, milking cows in upstate New York.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.