Thursday Morning Quotes Show Cattle Futures Rally Continues

ser_ngmi · 2026-01-12T17:16:15+00:00

Cattle markets showed strength with live cattle futures rising up to $1.25. The cash market remained subdued, while feeder cattle gained significantly. Beef exports were low but imports rose. Wholesale prices improved, and health concerns in Mexico were noted.

ser_ngmi

2026-01-12 17:16:15

Abstract generation in progress

Cattle markets demonstrated solid strength through Thursday’s session, with live cattle futures maintaining an upward trajectory ranging from 75 cents to $1.25 per contract. The broader trading environment reflected cautious optimism across the livestock complex.

Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle Performance

The Thursday morning quotes revealed mixed activity in the cash market, which remained relatively subdued throughout the week. Dressed beef transactions were limited to approximately $365 in the Northern region, while live cattle offerings hovered between $228 and $232. The Fed Cattle Exchange online venue reported no executed trades, though bids were positioned at $230 per hundredweight.

Feeder cattle displayed more pronounced gains, closing the session with advances between $1.95 and $2.90. The CME Feeder Cattle Index extended its appreciation, climbing $4.92 to reach $368.07 on January 7.

Contract Settlements and Market Direction

Thursday morning quotes showed the following contract performance:

Feb 26 Live Cattle: $235.275 (+$0.750)
Apr 26 Live Cattle: $236.225 (+$1.050)
Jun 26 Live Cattle: $231.275 (+$1.250)
Jan 26 Feeder Cattle: $362.475 (+$2.875)
Mar 26 Feeder Cattle: $357.725 (+$2.225)
Apr 26 Feeder Cattle: $356.625 (+$1.950)

Export and Import Dynamics

Beef export activity recorded 10,600 metric tons in the week ending January 1, with South Korea emerging as the primary destination at 4,400 MT. Mexico accounted for an additional 1,600 MT of purchases. Recent beef shipments totaled 12,695 MT during the final days of 2025, followed by 146 MT on January 1.

October beef exports, when converted to carcass weight, reached 201 million pounds—the lowest monthly volume since 2015. Conversely, beef imports climbed substantially to 136,972 MT, representing a 6.68% increase from September levels.

Wholesale Pricing and Production Data

USDA wholesale boxed beef prices strengthened during Thursday’s afternoon session. Choice cuts advanced $2.51 to $356.79, while Select grades increased $2.78 to $352.06, with the Choice/Select spread narrowing to $4.73.

Federal slaughter inspection data for Thursday estimated 117,000 head, bringing the week’s cumulative total to 465,000 head. This represented a 10,732-head decline compared to the corresponding week in the prior year.

Health concerns remained present, as APHIS Thursday Update highlighted expanding New World Screwworm activity across multiple Mexican states, including Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi, warranting continued market monitoring.

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