Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 2-10-2026

Historic supply crunch meets record consumer demand in the cattle markets, creating a perfect storm for price volatility. With beef cow numbers down over 1% nationwide and a 15% increase in feeder cattle grazing grain fields this winter, the industry faces unprecedented tight supplies heading into 2026. Market analysts Brock and Jim explore how this supply-side squeeze, combined with elevated input costs, is pushing producers toward earlier market decisions and creating potential risks for unhedged operations.In this week's Tuesday Market Update, the Cattle Market Guys dive deep into current feeder market dynamics, examining the significant premium steer calves are commanding over futures. Five-weight and six-weight categories continue showing strength, with six-weights trading more than forty dollars ahead of the board, suggesting strong buyer optimism despite recent price softening.The episode also tackles major developments in the processing sector, including potential labor disruptions at JBS Greeley's facility where 3,800 workers have voted to authorize a strike. This situation, combined with JBS's recent international expansion into Oman, signals important shifts in the domestic processing landscape that could impact producer leverage and market dynamics.Rounding out the discussion, Brock and Jim address critical biosecurity concerns, specifically the USDA's enhanced efforts to combat screwworm threats along the Texas border. The conversation highlights the importance of vigilant herd health protocols and the potential nationwide implications of regional disease pressures in an already stressed market environment.