IAS Market Talk with David Rueber - 4/26/26

IAS Market Talk | Cattle Market Update – April 22, 2026The cattle market may be catching its breath—but the pressure points are starting to show.In this week’s IAS Market Talk, Dave Rueber breaks down a market that’s still historically strong, but showing signs of softening in the short term. After last week’s aggressive cash trade, packers appear more comfortable, and futures have taken a step back—raising questions about whether we’ve hit a seasonal high.Dave walks through what’s shifting, where risk is building, and how producers should be thinking about margins as we move deeper into spring.This week’s highlights: • Cash cattle trade softening, with early calls around $246–$248 • Futures showing weakness after several strong weeks • Large negotiated trade last week reducing immediate packer demand • Break-evens tightening as higher-priced feeders work through the system • Seasonal patterns hinting at potential spring highs • Feeder cattle still historically strong, with only slight softnessAs always, this is straight talk from the field—helping you make confident decisions in a market that doesn’t stand still for long.Because when it comes to your operation, the best insights come from the people you know.Make a real impact! IAS Operations roles offer hands-on work, training, growth, and competitive pay—helping fuel the future of agriculture. Join the operations team and grow with IAS! Apply today at https://www.innovativeag.com/careers/job-openings.Tune in for straight talk, local insight, and the information you need from people you know.👉 https://www.innovativeag.com/feed#market-talk-podcast