Cattle Sector Monitors Forecast as Frigid Temperatures Spread Nationwide

Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.

NASHVILLE, TENN (RFD-TV) — Frigid cold and winter weather are sweeping through many parts of the United States, with the official start of winter quickly approaching. Analyst Sam Hudson, vice president of Corn Belt Marketing, said the cattle markets will be closely watching fluctuating temperatures this week for signs of livestock stress.

“I would say the temperature fluctuations are probably a bigger danger and threat overall,” he explained. “Sometimes, if it just gets cold and can stay cold and kind of freeze over, sometimes that’s a better situation all the way around. But this is that time of year you get those types of weather systems.”

Hudson said snow has been piling up across fields in his area of Illinois in recent days, but noted that farmers and ranchers in the region need any moisture they can get right now.

Today’s Weather Forecast

Related Stories
University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension is helping ranchers navigate grazing and herd management strategies.
Hildebrandt Family Farms combines multi-generational farming with a hands-on approach to herd management.
A Kansas Court of Appeals ruling confirms that premarital agreements can waive future homestead rights, impacting farm succession planning, blended-family estates, property rights, fiduciaries, and agricultural attorneys statewide.
Agencies will collaborate to monitor wildlife movement along the U.S. Southern Border and reduce pathways for New World Screwworm to spread.