Cattle Prices This Week Rally on Robust Cash Market Momentum

The livestock futures markets opened the new week on a bullish note, with live cattle futures gaining significant ground. Front-month contracts advanced $3.50 to $4.40, while February delivery surged $6.35 over the course of the week. Friday’s open interest expanded by 4,477 contracts, reflecting growing trader participation in the market.

Cash market activity accelerated last week, with pricing stabilized around $232 nationally—marking a $2-3 increase from the previous week. This underlying strength in physical cattle provided critical support for the futures rally.

Feeder Cattle Surge as New Year Begins

Feeder cattle futures demonstrated even stronger momentum, posting gains of $5.85 to $8.05 in front-month contracts as traders entered 2026. January futures jumped $9.925 for the week, while Friday’s open interest climbed 1,599 contracts higher. The CME Feeder Cattle Index reinforced the bullish trend, rising $1.57 to $350.22 as of January 1.

Boxed Beef Prices Strengthen on the Week

USDA wholesale boxed beef quotes rebounded in Friday’s afternoon report, signaling renewed strength in the beef complex. The choice-to-select spread compressed to just $3.05, with choice boxes advancing $2.52 to $349.97 and select boxes posting a $4.54 gain to $346.92.

Slaughter Volume Slightly Below Year-Ago Pace

USDA federally inspected cattle slaughter reached an estimated 474,000 head last week. While this represented a 48,000 head increase from the previous week, throughput remained 30,893 head below the same period last year, suggesting tighter supply conditions in the market.

Contract Closes

The week’s settlement prices reflected broad-based strength across cattle prices this week:

• Feb 26 Live Cattle: $236.000, +$4.400
• Apr 26 Live Cattle: $235.975, +$3.775
• Jun 26 Live Cattle: $230.350, +$3.575
• Jan 26 Feeder Cattle: $356.100, +$5.850
• Mar 26 Feeder Cattle: $352.950, +$7.625
• Apr 26 Feeder Cattle: $352.250, +$8.025

The convergence of higher cash prices, robust futures demand, and steady slaughter numbers suggests cattle prices this week have established a foundation for continued trading strength as participants navigate the fresh week ahead.