Record-high cattle prices continue surging as feedlot inventory hits the lowest December levels since 2017. This week's market update reveals lightweight calves trading at $375.08/cwt, with futures suggesting even stronger prices ahead. The sustained rally stems from thirteen consecutive months of declining inventory and November placements at historic lows, setting up what could be an exceptionally strong start to 2026.

In this special Christmas Eve edition of Cattle Market Guys, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the dramatic supply-driven market conditions shaping the cattle industry. The episode breaks down current cash trades, with Southern regions settling at $229 and Northern dressed trades reaching $358, demonstrating remarkable strength despite seasonal pressures.

The hosts explore how historically low feedlot numbers - down 2.1% year over year at 11.727 million head - are creating opportunities for producers heading into the new year. They compare current market conditions to previous contraction cycles, including the significant 1996 drought period, offering valuable historical context for today's producers.

The discussion concludes with critical warnings about regulatory uncertainties, including potential changes to mandatory market reporting and country-of-origin labeling (COOL). Brock and Jim emphasize the importance of staying informed and maintaining a business-first approach during these volatile times, while sharing practical strategies for navigating the current market landscape.

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Hear the full episode → https://www.herdadvisor.com/cattle-market-guys-podcast

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Breaking news in cattle markets as fed cattle prices surge $10-15 per hundredweight, with Northern trade reaching $220-225 and futures hitting multi-week highs. Hosts Brock and Jim analyze this significant December rally, examining how aggressive packer demand and tighter supplies are driving the unexpected price strength. In this mid-week market check, the duo breaks down current cash fundamentals, explores the impact of new USMEF leadership on export markets, and discusses how the upcoming $12 billion farm aid package could affect producers. The episode also covers China's record-setting soybean imports, potential Federal Reserve rate cuts for 2026, and practical strategies for producers looking to capitalize on current market conditions.

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Hear the full episode → https://www.herdadvisor.com/cattle-market-guys-podcast

Get our FREE daily cattle market briefing:

https://www.herdadvisor.com/email

Cattle Market Guide - Know when and where to sell:

https://www.herdadvisor.com/tryfree

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In this week’s Friday Wrap, Brock and Jim break down a winter-driven market that’s shaping cattle prices and reshuffling producer decisions across the country. Bitter cold across the Northern and Central Plains has futures on the rise, as tight supplies, lower gain efficiency, and health concerns push traders to price in risk. Meanwhile, feeder cattle markets held strong with 500–549 lb steers averaging $365.29/cwt, even as forecasts signal softer prices ahead.

The guys also dig into a sharp 19% drop in beef cow slaughter this fall—a signal that producers may be holding cows back and shifting toward herd rebuilding. Brock lays out how this could tighten calf supply heading into spring, influence bred cow values, and reshape leverage in forward contracting over the next 60–120 days.

Finally, they unpack fast-moving developments in U.S.–Brazil trade talks. With tariff reductions back on the table, more Brazilian beef access could pressure domestic boxed beef values—or open new export doors for U.S. programs, depending on how the agreements settle. Jim brings historical perspective on cross-border trade, reminding listeners that headlines move faster than real market impact.

If you’re feeding cattle, considering bred cow retention, buying calves for spring, or just trying to read where the market is headed through the freeze, this episode is packed with practical perspective. From weather pressures to structural herd moves and international trade risk, the Cattle Market Guys have the week wrapped tight.

Key Themes:

• Winter-driven futures surge and feed efficiency concerns
• Feeder cattle holding strong, but forecast prices softening
• 19% drop in beef cow slaughter and implications for herd rebuilding
• Tight supply outlook for spring calf runs
• U.S.–Brazil tariff discussions and potential impacts on procurement and exports

Smart data, real ranch stories—and a whole lot of market signal to chew on.

In this Tuesday Market Check, Brock and Jim break down a pivotal start to December as cash prices, forecasts, and futures drift in different directions. Light steer prices remain strong at $365/cwt, but national forecasts slide lower over the next month—raising real questions about whether to hold calves through the holidays or secure value now. Meanwhile, Live and Feeder futures are softening, boxed beef is steady, and broader economic pressures are tugging at a market that seems a little twitchy.

The guys dive into regional packer shifts, Tyson’s operational updates, and what changing slaughter capacity could mean for basis, show lists, and early-week bidding. They also zoom out to global trends: tightening worldwide beef production, Australia’s rising grain-fed export footprint, and why U.S. producers tied to premium programs may need to sharpen logistics if they want to hold their edge overseas.

If you’re marketing calves, weighing hedges, watching futures, or just trying to keep hay coming and risk in check, this episode has the numbers, context, and straight talk to help you stay sharp in a volatile market.

Topics Today:

• Cash vs futures divergence and 4-week forecast trends
• Live & Feeder futures reaction post-Thanksgiving
• Regional show list pressure and packer strategy shifts
• Tyson operational updates and kill-capacity signals
• Global beef output declines for 2025
• Australia’s export momentum and Asian demand
• Practical marketing strategy for feeders, calves, and hedging

Clear data. Real ranch experience. And a reminder not to let the board scare you out of a good cash trade.

This week’s mid-week update is a big one. Brock and Jim break down the major market shock everyone’s talking about: Tyson’s closure of its Lexington, NE beef plant and shift reductions in Amarillo—removing up to 8,000 head of daily slaughter capacity from the system. They unpack how this structural change could impact bids, competition, freight, and marketing plans across Nebraska, Texas, and the High Plains.

From there, the guys dive into a tightening processor landscape, Walmart’s $257M beef facility expansion, rising plant utilization, and what it all means for producers trying to stay nimble. They also tackle futures pressure tied to tariff rollbacks, historic lows in U.S. beef exports to China, and why basis risk is climbing fast.

If you want clear, practical insight on how capacity, trade, and calf prices connect—and what decisions matter most heading into December—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.