Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 4-7-2026

The three-week strike at JBS's Greeley, Colorado meatpacking plant has officially ended, with operations resuming April 7th. During the walkout involving nearly 3,800 workers, cattle backlogs built up significantly, forcing packer buyers to aggressively add inventory at higher prices last week. The resolution comes as lighter weight cattle continue their steady upward price trend, a welcome development for producers navigating supply chain disruptions. In this Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim provide a comprehensive analysis of the current cattle market, highlighting the standout performance of 500-549 pound steers, which are now averaging $464.39 per hundredweight—a significant increase from previous weeks. They examine how futures prices are lagging behind the cash market and discuss market volume trends showing heavier movement in the 600-649 pound category. The hosts dive deep into the JBS strike resolution, explaining the ripple effects of processing disruptions on the entire supply chain. Jim shares his personal experience with a similar 1995 IBP strike, offering practical advice for producers on maintaining contingency plans for market access during labor disputes. The episode also covers the impressive increase in USDA Prime grade percentages, which have risen from 9.2% in 2023 to 14% in 2026, reflecting advancements in genetics and feeding strategies. Weather concerns take center stage in the final segment, with drought conditions worsening across 17% more of the lower 48 states compared to last year. Brock and Jim discuss the potential impact of reduced corn acreage (95.3 million acres anticipated for 2026) on feed costs, while Jim recounts lessons from the devastating drought of 1988 when he was forced to sell 40% of his herd. The hosts emphasize the importance of proactive planning to mitigate weather impacts on cattle operations.