LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Cash fed cattle prices have pulled back in recent weeks, even as boxed beef values and consumer demand continue moving higher.
Analysis from Certified Angus Beef’s Paul Dykstra shows cash cattle traded near $234 per hundredweight last week, down from roughly $243 two weeks earlier. Pressure has come from broader market uncertainty tied to geopolitical tensions, weaker Live Cattle futures, and smaller weekly harvest volumes that have given packers added leverage. A strike at the JBS Greeley plant has also disrupted regional flows, shifting cattle to other facilities.
At the same time, carcass weights remain unusually heavy, down just 4 pounds since January, compared to a typical 16-pound seasonal decline. That suggests feedyards are becoming less current on market-ready cattle, even with historically tight supplies.
Wholesale beef values are moving in the opposite direction. Cutout prices have surged alongside strong demand, with retail beef prices hitting a record $9.64 per pound in February.
Higher grading is also reshaping the market. Prime carcasses are expected to exceed 14 percent of the mix in 2026, expanding premium beef supply and supporting broader demand growth.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong beef demand is offsetting weaker cash cattle.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
January 14, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
January 13, 2026 03:25 PM
·
China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
·
Structural efficiency supports cattle prices and resilience — breaking it risks higher costs and greater volatility.
January 13, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
January 13, 2026 06:00 AM
·
The Farm Bureau’s honor highlights the important role farm dogs play on operations across the country, serving as dependable workers and trusted companions.
January 12, 2026 03:10 PM
·
