Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 4-24-2026

**Cattle futures slide for six consecutive sessions as demand concerns grow for high-priced beef. Front-month contracts settle at $374.15/cwt while cash markets see northern cattle trading down $2 from last week at $246 live and $386 dressed. Is this the beginning of a deeper price correction or just a temporary market adjustment? Brock and Jim analyze what this means for producers heading into summer.** In this week's market wrap-up, the Cattle Market Guys examine the technical selling and profit-taking pushing cattle futures lower across multiple weight classes. Brock breaks down the numbers showing 600-649 weight steers settling at $421.89/cwt (down from $424.06) and 500-549 weights at $470.58/cwt (slightly off from $471.98 last week). Jim shares valuable perspective from his experience during similar market corrections in 1998, offering practical wisdom for navigating current uncertainties. The episode delves into international trade challenges affecting U.S. beef exports, particularly the continued closure of the Chinese market. While variety meat exports show growth, Brazil's emerging dominance as a global protein supplier amid market volatility creates new competitive pressures. The hosts discuss how these shifting trade patterns impact domestic producers and strategies for maintaining competitiveness in alternative markets. Health concerns take center stage as Brock and Jim address the alarming detection of New World Screwworm within 62 miles of the Texas border. They detail the USDA's response, including plans for a new sterile fly production facility, while Jim recounts his firsthand experience fighting a similar outbreak in 1984. The discussion emphasizes biosecurity measures, community cooperation, and vigilance as essential tools for producers facing potential disease threats. Throughout this comprehensive market analysis, the Cattle Market Guys provide actionable insights for cattle producers navigating these challenging conditions. From price forecasts to disease prevention strategies, this episode delivers the market intelligence needed to make informed decisions during uncertain times.