The Cattle Market Guys Podcast

Feeder cattle prices just dropped nearly $47 in a month, and futures traders are already pricing in risk from a confirmed screwworm case in southern Texas—the first U.S. horse infection near the border. With USDA slashing its 2026-2027 cattle price outlook while corn costs climb, producers are facing a tangled mix of short-term futures strength and long-term caution. In this Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim break down the latest cash price data on 500-549 and 600-649 weight class steers, both trending lower on average volume, with forecasts pointing toward stabilization after the recent slide. They dig into the September WASDE report's lowered price forecasts and weigh it against Friday's futures rally, drawing a direct parallel to the 1996 corn price spike and the costly lesson of chasing a rally that never came. The conversation shifts to animal health, covering the confirmed screwworm case in South Texas, the resulting movement restrictions, and Jim's firsthand memories of the 1976 outbreak, plus a new H5N1 study on California dairy farms showing transmission through air, wastewater, and asymptomatic cows. Rounding out the episode, Brock and Jim cover trade policy developments including an Oval Office cattle industry executive order signing, an open letter addressing beef price politicization, reassuring data on Brazilian beef imports, China's new agricultural insurance expansion, and USMEF's trade delegation to Japan supporting U.S. beef exports.

Feeder cattle prices just took a brutal hit — 500-549 lb steers are down nearly $49 per hundredweight in just thirty days, and the 600-649 lb class isn't far behind. Brock and Jim break down whether this correction is the start of something bigger or just a market catching its breath before the next move. In this Week in Review episode, Brock and Jim dig into three major storylines shaping the cattle market. First, they unpack the tangled trade policy landscape, from new executive orders on beef and cattle to Canada's retaliatory tariffs and Brazil's shifting export mix, weighing whether political noise or market fundamentals will ultimately drive prices. Jim shares a personal flashback to the NAFTA panic of 1993 that adds real perspective to today's tariff headlines. Next, they examine global feed grain and soybean trends, including China's softening hog demand and an unexpected new demand driver: GLP-1 drug users turning to soy-based protein. Finally, the guys tackle animal health and biosecurity, covering the latest screwworm detection numbers, a new pest biosecurity R&D platform planned for San Antonio, and Jim's memories of the original screwworm eradication program from the 1980s. Whether you're tracking feeder cattle futures, watching trade policy fallout, or keeping an eye on biosecurity threats, this episode delivers the market intelligence producers need heading into the next month.

Only 18% of pasture and range conditions are rated good to excellent this week, down sharply from 38% a year ago, and drought coverage across the lower 48 has expanded over 23% in the past month alone. With Tyson Foods slashing its profit outlook twice in one month and cattle futures cooling from August highs, producers are facing a market squeeze from multiple directions at once. In this Tuesday market update, Brock and Jim break down the latest cash cattle prices, with 500-549 weight steers down to $372.81/cwt and 600-649 weights at $341.82/cwt, both retreating from last month's peak. They dig into the Tyson margin story and draw a direct parallel to the 1999 IBP packer squeeze, warning producers to watch kill rates and buyer pickiness on weight and grade as leading indicators. The pair also unpack competing federal policy moves—Representative Figures' bill targeting the 300,000 metric ton beef import allowance versus Trump's executive orders on wolf protection and country-of-origin labeling—highlighting the fragmented approach to trade policy right now. The episode closes with a deep dive into deteriorating drought conditions nationwide, Jim's firsthand account of the 1996 West Texas drought liquidation, and why protecting core herd genetics may pay off more than panic-selling. International context from France's billion-euro drought aid package rounds out a wide-ranging discussion on cattle prices, packer margins, beef trade policy, and range conditions heading into fall.

Cattle prices are cratering as feeder steers drop nearly $25 per hundredweight in just five weeks, and a controversial tariff proclamation benefiting Brazilian beef imports has producers demanding Washington "stay out of the way." Meanwhile, pasture conditions have collapsed to just 18% Good-to-Excellent—down from 38% a year ago—signaling a supply squeeze that could reshape the market for years to come. In this Friday wrap for September 4th, Brock and Jim break down a brutal week of cattle market data, with both lightweight and heavyweight feeder classes showing steep week-over-week and month-over-month declines. They dig into Proclamation 11059's tariff holiday on Brazilian beef trimmings, JBS executive Joesley Batista's direct meeting with Trump, and the DOJ's expanded antitrust probe now targeting major retailers like Walmart and Costco. The duo also tackles wild futures market volatility, with the August live cattle contract swinging on tariff speculation, border news, and contract expiration dynamics. The episode's third deep dive tackles the deteriorating drought and range conditions across the country, with corn crop ratings and pasture conditions both declining sharply compared to last year. Jim draws parallels to the 1988 drought and 1995 Mexican peso crisis, offering historical perspective on how cattlemen have weathered similar supply shocks and policy uncertainty before. Producers looking for guidance on basis levels, hedging strategy, and marketing decisions amid this policy-driven volatility will find plenty of actionable takeaways in this week's discussion.

Feeder cattle prices are sliding fast, and a controversial tariff waiver on Brazilian beef imports is only adding to the chaos. Brock and Jim break down why the cash market and policy headlines are pulling cattle futures in opposite directions this week. In this Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim dig into the weekly cattle price snapshot, with 500-549 weight steers down over $24 from a month ago and forecasts pointing to further softness through September. They unpack Proclamation 11059, the 90-day tariff waiver on imported ground beef that's benefiting Brazil and squeezing Argentina's export momentum, plus a separate processing order aimed at breaking up packer concentration. Jim draws a sharp parallel to the 1989 Meat Import Act trigger, offering a veteran's perspective on how government intervention in beef markets has played out before. The conversation also covers the phased reopening of Mexican cattle imports at the Douglas, Arizona port of entry, a new screwworm case detected in Sonora, and the FDA's emergency authorization of a generic ivermectin treatment. Jim shares firsthand memories of the 1976 screwworm outbreak and the joint US-Mexico eradication program that beat it decades ago. Finally, Brock and Jim examine the shrinking producer share of the retail beef dollar, down from 63 cents in 1980 to just 37 cents in 2021, and what that means for herd rebuilding decisions amid ongoing drought and rising input costs. It's a packed episode covering trade policy, animal disease risk, and the economics squeezing cattle producers even as headline prices stay strong.

Feeder cattle futures took a beating this week, with 500-549 weight steers sliding $22 off their July highs and 600-649 weight steers forecast to drop another $27 in just seven days. Three separate down days, three separate causes — and Brock and Jim break down why the cattle market got hit from every direction at once. In this Friday wrap of Cattle Market Guys, Brock and Jim unpack the week's biggest cattle market news: the Trump administration's move to waive beef tariffs and expand lean trimming imports, the phased reopening of the US-Mexico border for cattle after screwworm concerns, and a weakening consumer confidence report that piled onto an already jittery cash market. Jim draws parallels to the 1999 beef trimming import debate and the 2005 Canadian border reopening, arguing that markets often react harder to policy headlines than to the actual volume that follows. The two also dig into this week's Cattle on Feed report, which showed record-low July placements and marketings — a sign that despite the short-term price pressure, the underlying cattle supply remains historically tight. Brock and Jim close with practical guidance for producers: don't overreact to a single day's futures swing, watch how import volumes actually materialize over the coming weeks, and track the next Cattle on Feed report closely. This episode covers feeder cattle prices, cash cattle markets, beef import policy, border reopening news, and cattle futures forecasts for the week of August 28, 2026.

Trump's surprise 90-day tariff waiver just cracked open the door to 300,000 metric tons of imported beef, and cattle producers are furious—even as feeder cattle prices are already sliding hard and fast. Brock and Jim break down why this move eerily echoes a 1986 trade decision that hammered feeder prices before tight domestic supply forced a rebound, and question whether history is about to repeat itself. This Tuesday Update covers the full market picture: 500-549 weight steers down over $22 in a month, 600-649 weights forecast to keep sliding before stabilizing by mid-September, and a deep dive into the tariff waiver's political and economic fallout, including how producers' share of the retail beef dollar has collapsed from 63 cents in 1980 to just 37 cents today. Brock and Jim also unpack the Mexican border reopening for cattle imports, complicated by rising screwworm detections in Chihuahua and Sonora that could delay the anticipated 150,000-head import estimate. The episode closes with a look at July's cattle marketings—the lowest since 1996—Tyson's plant closure in Joslin, Illinois, and what historically tight supply combined with packer restructuring could mean for leverage shifting back to producers this fall. Jim draws on his own experience from the 1996 drought and the 1986 import policy shift to frame today's headlines in historical context, offering listeners a grounded perspective on where these markets may be headed next.

Feeder cattle prices are sliding hard across the board, and USDA's WASDE report just extended the bearish outlook all the way through 2027. With plant closures, border tariffs looming, and a new screwworm case threatening Mexican import hopes, cattle producers are facing pressure from every direction this week. In this Friday wrap, Brock and Jim break down the latest cash and futures numbers, with 500-549 weight steers down nearly $30 over the past month and 600-649 steers forecast to keep sliding through September. The duo digs into major packing sector shifts, including Tyson's plant closures in Illinois and Utah, Cargill's Fort Morgan facility set to resume production after a labor dispute resolution, and a leadership change at Frick's Quality Meats. They also unpack USDA's lowered cattle price forecasts and the surprising disconnect between tight beef production and weak consumer demand driving the market. The episode closes with a deep dive into border risk, covering the looming US-Canada tariff deadline and a new screwworm case in Ciudad Juárez that threatens to delay Mexican cattle import resumption. Jim draws on decades of market history, from the 1987 IBP consolidation to the 2003 BSE border shutdown, to give producers perspective on how packing consolidation and biosecurity scares have reshaped cattle markets before. Brock and Jim close with practical advice for producers navigating a market where demand, not supply, is currently calling the shots.

Tyson just pulled the trigger on a historic contraction—closing or selling three beef plants while bracing for a staggering $650 million operating loss in fiscal 2026. With roughly 10,000 head per day in processing capacity vanishing almost overnight, Brock and Jim break down why this "historic cattle shortage" is reshaping where producers can even sell their cattle. In this Tuesday update for August 18th, Brock and Jim dig into feeder cattle prices showing real softness, with 500-549 weight steers down $7.80 week-over-week and heavier weights sliding on forecast data through September. They unpack the Tyson plant closures in Joslin, Illinois and Pasco, Washington, and what it means for basis and buyer competition, drawing on Jim's firsthand memory of the Plainview plant closure back in '94. The conversation moves into cattle futures volatility, with fund and technical selling pushing prices to two-and-a-half week lows amid growing doubts about consumer beef demand—plus Jim's gripping account of the 2003 BSE crisis and the risk-management lessons it still teaches today. The episode wraps with a broader look at global beef demand trends, including the booming outdoor grilling market, a $136-per-head value-add strategy for weaned calves from Merck Animal Health's Dr. John Hutcheson, and international headwinds from Ukraine's agricultural liquidity crisis to Brazil's MBRF profit decline. They close with a nod to the ongoing MCOOL labeling debate and its ties to the packer capacity conversation shaping this week's cattle market news.

Tyson is anchoring its entire beef business around just three plants, JBS is shutting down harvesting at its Souderton, Pennsylvania facility today, and USDA is calling this one of the most historic cattle shortages on record. Yet despite that tightening supply, USDA just lowered its cattle price forecasts through 2027 — a contradiction that has Brock and Jim digging into what's really driving the cattle market this week. In this Friday wrap for August 14th, Brock and Jim break down the latest feeder cattle price data, showing short-term stabilization in the 500-549 and 600-649 weight classes even as both remain sharply down from a month ago. They cover the meatpacking industry's rapid restructuring, including Tyson's three-plant strategy, JBS's Souderton conversion and $102 million net loss, and major CEO transitions at U.S. Premium Beef and JBS. The duo also examines a wave of weather disruption hitting cattle production across three continents — a potential super El Niño threatening South American drought, British Columbia wildfires forcing livestock evacuations, and Austrian heat pushing cattle off Alpine pastures early — alongside expanding U.S. drought coverage. Jim shares firsthand stories from the 1993 IBP plant closure and the 1998 drought to give producers historical context for today's headlines. The episode wraps with a look at the August WASDE report, softening fed cattle demand, surging ground beef prices, and what it all means for producer margins heading into fall.

Feeder cattle have come off their summer highs, but the lighter steers are already firming back up—500- to 549-pound steers ticked up to over $417 per hundredweight this past week—and Brock and Jim break down why the trend still points higher.. With feeder and stocker marketings running 23.2% below the three-year average, the underlying supply story remains tight, even as futures whipsaw on unrelated economic headlines.This Tuesday update covers the full cattle market picture: a detailed look at recent price action across weight classes, national forecasts showing a rebound to come, and insight from a Texas A&M AgriLife economist who says the price ceiling hasn't been hit yet. Brock and Jim also dig into surging ground beef demand outpacing supply, Brazil's shifting protein consumption patterns, and FAO data showing global food prices at a three-year high even as meat prices ease. A $2.5 billion JBS Australia-Danantara joint venture signals major institutional confidence in Southeast Asian protein demand, while U.S. Premium Beef announces CEO Stan Linville's retirement after nearly 30 years. The episode wraps with a look at AI-powered drones transforming pasture and herd management, plus workforce and crop updates from across the industry.Jim brings a callback to the 1996 drought years to put today's feeder supply crunch in perspective, and closes out with another one-liner too good to spoil here. Whether you're marketing cattle this month or just tracking where the cattle market is headed next, this episode delivers the data and context to stay ahead.

Feeder cattle prices just took a serious tumble—five hundred to five-forty-nine pound steers dropped from $463.08 to $408.76 per hundredweight in just five weeks, and the six-hundred-weight class fell even harder. But with national forecasts pointing to a rebound and futures hitting three-week highs before wobbling again, the cattle market is delivering whiplash few saw coming. In this Friday wrap for August 7th, Brock and Jim break down the numbers behind the recent pullback in feeder cattle markets, tracing the slide from late June through late July across multiple weight classes. They dig into national price predictions showing a potential recovery, with the 500-549 pound class expected to climb back toward $419.50 per hundredweight within three weeks, signaling some optimism despite the recent softness. The duo also unpacks a report from The Cattle Site detailing how live and feeder cattle futures hit three-week highs on technical strength and supportive outside markets, only to fall the very next day on demand worries linked to broader stock market weakness. Brock and Jim discuss what this volatility means for producers trying to time sales, and they close out with a look at trading volume trends, noting that light volume in late June has given way to stronger buyer participation heading into August. It's a snapshot of a market caught between short-term jitters and a tight underlying supply story that continues to support values.

Cattle futures just snapped a brutal 15-day losing streak, feeder cattle prices are sliding fast on lighter weights, and the US-Mexico border is finally set to reopen for cattle trade after screwworm shutdowns. This week's Cattle Market Guys breaks down whether the worst is over—or just beginning. Brock and Jim dive into a volatile week for the cattle market, starting with feeder cattle cash prices that dropped sharply across multiple weight classes, though prediction models point to a rebound in the coming weeks. They unpack USDA's phased reopening of the Douglas, Arizona and Santa Teresa ports of entry, backed by a $25 million investment in sterile fly dispersal to combat screwworm, with Jim drawing on his firsthand experience from the 1987 border shutdown to explain what producers can expect this time around. The conversation then turns to the wild swings in live cattle and feeder cattle futures, including a four-month low followed by a sharp short-covering rally, with Jim recalling a similar trainwreck-turned-recovery from 1996. Finally, Brock and Jim break down a stack of fresh USDA reports—Cattle Inventory, Cattle on Feed, Red Meat Production, and Cold Storage—revealing a supply picture that's tighter than headline numbers suggest, with shrinking beef inventories and declining production even as cattle on feed ticks up. Whether you're marketing calves, watching the border, or trying to make sense of feedlot data, this episode delivers the numbers and the perspective to navigate a fast-moving cattle market.

Cattle futures just hit a four-month low, feeder cattle prices are sliding on thin volume, and now USDA drops a bombshell: the US-Mexico border is reopening to cattle trade after more than a year of screwworm-driven shutdowns. Brock and Jim break down why this Tuesday's numbers matter more than most. On this episode of Cattle Market Guys, Brock and Jim dig into the latest feeder cattle price data, where 500-549 weight steers and 600-649 weight steers both softened week-over-week, while futures markets swung sharply before stabilizing ahead of the Cattle on Feed report. The pair then shift to the biggest story of the week—USDA's phased reopening of southern livestock ports starting with Douglas, Arizona on August 24th, plus a promising biological breakthrough in Panama using NovoFly genetic technology to fight New World Screwworm. Jim shares firsthand memories of the 1980 screwworm outbreak that shaped border policy for decades. The conversation also covers global beef trade, including a troubling 17.2% year-over-year drop in US beef exports, new market access wins with Chile, Ecuador's fresh trade deal with Canada, and the Meat Institute's cost analysis on mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Jim recalls the 2003 mad cow crisis and how long it took to rebuild lost export relationships. Finally, Brock and Jim unpack this week's cattle futures volatility, a four-month low in live cattle, and what the newest Cattle on Feed report signals for producers heading into August.

Live cattle futures just suffered fifteen straight losing sessions in July, dragging prices to a four-month low before finally stabilizing—but is this a genuine fundamental breakdown or just the board working through paper losses? Brock and Jim break down why cash cattle weakness and summer demand seasonality sparked the slide, and why USDA's WASDE report still projects firm prices for the back half of 2026. This week's Cattle Market Guys covers the full feeder cattle snapshot, with lighter-weight steers sliding sharply while heavier weight classes show mixed signals amid heavy trading volume. Brock and Jim dig into shifting global trade flows, as U.S. beef exports fall over 17% year-over-year while imports climb nearly 10%, with Argentina capitalizing on booming shipments and Brazil facing new tariff exemptions alongside declining export volumes tied to Chinese quota limits. The episode also examines deteriorating corn and pasture conditions across the Plains, even as overall drought coverage improves, raising questions about stocker cattle economics and potential fall culling decisions. Throughout the episode, Jim draws on decades of market experience, sharing stories from 1993's futures slump, the 1999 trade imbalance debate, and the devastating 1988 drought, offering historical context for today's volatile conditions. Brock and Jim close with practical takeaways for producers navigating a turbulent market: watch your basis, don't panic on board weakness alone, and keep an eye on how tightening pasture conditions could reshape calf supplies heading into next year.

Cattle futures just hit their lowest close since March, and it's not from one bad day — it's three straight sessions of chart-driven selling stacked on weak cash trade and sagging wholesale beef prices. Brock and Jim break down why the board lost roughly eight dollars in under a month, and why hog futures climbing at the same time proves this is a cattle-specific correction, not a broad protein demand collapse. This week's Cattle Market Guys episode opens with a full data snapshot: five-hundred to five-forty-nine weight steers show a clear three-week price slide, while six-hundred to six-forty-nine weight cattle have actually gained ground over the past month despite recent softness. Brock and Jim dig into the forecasts for both weight classes, then pivot into a deep dive on the futures decline, referencing reporting from The Cattle Site and Beef Magazine's "Recency Bias and Things That Never Happen" piece on cowherd expansion. Jim shares a real-world comparison to the 1993 summer market pullback, offering perspective on why producers shouldn't panic on chart-driven weakness — but shouldn't ignore it either. The episode closes with a look at regulatory and land-use pressures facing ranchers, including a New Zealand study linking farm nitrate pollution to premature births even below legal limits, the FAO's involvement in Canada's International Year of Rangelands tour, and a third, more sobering land-use story. It's a wide-ranging Friday wrap covering cash cattle prices, futures trends, cattle market analysis, and the policy conversations shaping the beef industry heading into next week.

Cash cattle prices tumbled seven dollars this week, but feeder and stocker marketings ran nearly 40% below the three-year average—creating the kind of thin, choppy market that can swing hard in either direction. Add in a stunning USDA export data error that slashed beef sales figures by 90%, and producers have a lot to untangle this week. Brock and Jim break down the latest cash and futures data, noting a split market where lighter steers are sliding while heavier weights creep up. They dig into why marketings are running so far below normal, with Jim drawing parallels to the 1996 drought-driven liquidation in West Texas and sharing a firsthand story about how timing flexibility made a real difference in per-head pricing. The conversation also covers the July WASDE report's surprisingly bullish Q3 revision despite short-term cash weakness. On the trade front, they unpack USDA's dramatic export data correction involving Chile and Italy, rising beef imports, and what this means for trust in federal reporting. A look at South Africa's shifting FMD vaccine policy highlights how global disease management ties into U.S. export competitiveness. Finally, Brock and Jim cover USDA's expanded metals testing requirements taking effect July 20th and the $80 million in federal support aimed at helping small processors manage rising compliance costs.

Cattle inventories just hit their lowest levels since the 1950s, yet Walmart slashed ground beef prices 12% after political pressure — and cattle futures have now fallen for seven straight sessions. Brock and Jim break down how tight supply, soft retail pricing, and volatile feed costs are colliding to create a confusing market picture for producers heading into summer. In this Friday wrap for the week of July 10th, Brock and Jim dig into feeder cattle price data across weight classes, noting strength in the 600-649 category alongside softening in lighter 500-549 weight steers. They unpack the disconnect between Walmart's politically-driven price cut and actual farm-gate values, referencing reporting from the Cattle Site, Beef Magazine, and CoBank showing beef demand staying firm despite broader food inflation. Jim draws on his 1996 experience with feedyard margins during a corn price spike to explain why today's combination of falling cattle futures and rising feed grain costs demands caution on placements. The episode closes with a look at global trade dynamics, including rising US beef export value despite lower volume, improving access in Taiwan and Korea, and Brazil's record beef export growth capturing Chinese demand. Jim recalls the 2003 BSE case and its impact on export markets as a warning against assuming trade access stays constant. Domestic processing expansion news rounds out a discussion on quality, competition, and long-term market resilience in the cattle industry.

Packer losses have deepened to a staggering $295 per head as corn futures surge and boxed beef values soften — and that squeeze from both directions is putting hedging strategy front and center for cattle producers right now. Meanwhile, Brazil just raised its full-year trade surplus forecast to $90 billion, fueled by record beef exports that are eating into US market share. In this Tuesday market update, Brock and Jim break down the latest feeder cattle cash prices, including five to six weight steers holding steady near $457 per hundredweight and six-weight steers easing to $415.87. They dig into live cattle futures volatility tied to rising corn costs and softening cash trade, with Jim drawing on his 1996 experience with margin calls and over-hedged positions to explain why liquidity matters as much as price protection. The conversation then shifts to global beef trade, covering Brazil's record export surge, tightening antimicrobial inspection rules ahead of an EU deadline, and a political push to suspend proposed US tariffs tied to Brazil's October election. Domestic policy developments, including new tariff-rate quota legislation for imported beef, cattle, and lamb, round out the trade discussion. Finally, Brock and Jim examine the tightening US cattle supply picture, with total beef production projected down 4.5 to 5 percent year-over-year and cold storage reserves shrinking. Drawing parallels to the mid-1990s herd liquidation era, they explain why today's tight supply numbers may not fully hit cash prices for months, and why producers should be watching futures, trade, and production trends together rather than in isolation.

The Trump administration just dropped a bombshell: USMCA will not be extended, triggering a 10-year wind-down clock that has farm groups sounding alarms across the agricultural sector. With feeder cattle prices hitting historic highs and the cattle herd now the tightest since the 1950s, this week's Cattle Market Guys breaks down why the market is bracing for impact before the data even arrives. Brock and Jim open with a deep look at current feeder steer pricing, showing steady climbs across weight classes and a sharp jump in futures contracts over just five weeks. They then dive into the USMCA wind-down announcement, examining the fractured US-Mexico-Canada dynamics and new tariff-rate quota legislation targeting live cattle, beef, and lamb imports. Jim draws a compelling parallel to the 1994 NAFTA rollout, reminding producers that fear-driven herd decisions often backfire before real trade data emerges. The second half tackles supply fundamentals, unpacking the June Cattle on Feed report showing feedlot inventories rising for a second straight month, even as total beef production is projected to fall 4.5-5% in 2026. Brock and Jim explain why more cattle in feedlots doesn't mean more beef supply, and how the tightest cattle herd since the 1950s is squeezing everyone from jerky producers to retail meat counters. It's a data-driven, historically grounded conversation about navigating uncertainty without panic—essential listening for cattle producers watching both trade policy and herd economics collide this summer.

The U.S. and Mexico just opened a $50 million sterile fly facility in Chiapas capable of producing 100 million flies per week — and it may be the most important biosecurity development for cattle producers in years. New World screwworm cases are creeping north, and this is the primary weapon to push the eradication line back. Jim shares firsthand history from the original eradication effort that puts the stakes in sharp relief. In this Tuesday Market Update for June 30, 2026, Brock and Jim break down the latest feeder cattle price data, with 600-649 pound steers sitting at $413.01/cwt and lighter weights continuing to outperform at $454.45/cwt — but near-term forecasts point to softening ahead. The basis gap between cash and front-month futures at $368.94 is a signal producers shouldn't ignore. The episode also covers a coalition of 65 groups petitioning the FDA to end routine antibiotic use in livestock, a promising new BRD diagnostic tool out of Texas A&M, and heat stress production losses hitting European farmers. On the trade front, Australia has already filled its annual Chinese beef quota before mid-year, Senator Bill Cassidy has introduced tariff-rate quota legislation aimed at protecting domestic producers, and U.S. beef exports to Mexico show a soft April but a constructive year-to-date picture overall.

Cattle futures swung in two opposite directions in just 48 hours — and New World Screwworm detections are actively climbing across the southern tier. Both stories carry serious implications for cattle producers heading into the second half of 2026. This week's episode breaks down what's driving the volatility and what producers need to do right now. Brock and Jim open with a detailed market snapshot showing feeder steer prices have softened $14–$17 per hundredweight over the past month, with a notable basis gap between cash markets and front-month futures sitting near $360. Predictive model forecasts suggest a brief short-term lift before a pullback at the four-week mark — making timing decisions on cattle sales critical right now. From there, the conversation turns to the forces behind this week's futures whiplash: tight Cattle on Feed numbers providing supply-side support, offset by growing investor concern over consumer affordability. That demand concern connects directly to new data showing 4.7 million Americans have lost food stamp benefits, with food pantry demand hitting record levels — a meaningful headwind for beef demand at already-elevated price levels. The episode closes with an urgent biosecurity alert on New World Screwworm, where four new confirmed detections were reported in a single cycle. Jim shares a firsthand account from a 1993 flare-up as a reminder that this pest exploits any lapse in vigilance.

New World screwworm has reached 15 confirmed cases in the United States, with three new Texas animals testing positive in the latest reporting period — and a critical sterile fly facility won't come online until late 2027. For cattle producers across the southern half of the country, the window for early detection is now, and Brock and Jim break down exactly what to watch for and who to call. In this Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim cover the full feeder cattle price picture, with 500–549 lb. steers holding near $449/cwt. despite a gradual month-long softening, and a notable basis gap between cash prices and front-month futures that producers need to pencil out carefully before making placement commitments. Four-week model forecasts suggest further price softening in weeks three and four — a signal worth stress-testing against current breakevens. The episode also breaks down emerging global feed supply risks, including a potential super El Niño threatening grain output, USDA's addition of 30 million base acres to ARC and PLC programs, and the longer-term concern of prime farmland converting to data centers and solar farms. Brock and Jim close with the June 19 USDA cattle-on-feed report showing inventory up 2% year-over-year, improving drought conditions across the Lower 48, and a seasoned reminder from Jim that when everyone feeds cattle and drought breaks at once, the market has a way of solving one problem by creating another.

Twelve confirmed screwworm cases on U.S. soil, $105 million in federal response funding, and a July 1st USMCA deadline that farm groups are calling potentially catastrophic — the cattle industry is navigating a minefield of compounding risks. This week on Cattle Market Guys, Brock and Jim break down everything producers in the southern tier and beyond need to know before it's too late to act. On the markets, six-weight steers have softened from $424 to $405 per hundredweight over the past month, and the four-week forecast shows further near-term pressure before a partial recovery — while lighter five-weight calves continue to hold a firm premium. Brock and Jim explain why this week's futures volatility was largely a trader story rather than a cash fundamentals story, and why commercial operators shouldn't read too much into the noise. The episode also digs into the screwworm threat with historical context from Jim's own ranching background, covering what early detection and rapid reporting actually look like on the ground. On trade, U.S. beef exports to China fell 11% in April, and USMCA faces a renewal deadline with genuine uncertainty after President Trump signaled a preference against a new agreement. With Mexico's feeder cattle pipeline already disrupted by screwworm border closures, Brock and Jim examine what a deal collapse could mean for stocker and backgrounding operations that depend on cross-border supply.

JBS USA just shuttered two major beef processing facilities — and the ripple effects are already hitting cattle futures and producer margins hard. When a packing plant goes dark, the hurt doesn't stop at the front gate. It rolls all the way back to the pasture. In this Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim break down a volatile week in cattle markets, starting with a meaningful price slide since mid-May. Feeder steers in the 500–549 lb range have dropped roughly $14 per hundredweight from their mid-May peaks, while the heavier 600–649 lb class has fallen nearly $19 — a significant pullback in a short window. The guys walk through near-term price projections across both weight classes and explain what the unusually wide basis between cash and futures is signaling about current market structure. From there, Brock and Jim dig into the JBS plant closures in Souderton, Pennsylvania and Memphis, Tennessee — what they mean for regional producers, how processing concentration amplifies the damage, and why Jim's experience from a similar 1997 closure is the right frame for thinking about it today. They also cover USDA's newly announced $60 million Small Processors Action Plan and what it realistically can — and can't — accomplish. The episode closes with a look at the week's futures action, including three consecutive sessions of gains that were erased by a single headline, and what the June WASDE report means for producers making near-term marketing decisions.

Screwworm has moved from threat to confirmed reality — with cases now verified in both Texas and New Mexico, Mexico has suspended live animal imports from the United States. This week's episode of Cattle Market Guys breaks down what that means for producers and the broader cattle trade. Brock and Jim open with the market snapshot for the week of June 12, 2026, walking through feeder steer prices across weight classes, flagging the thin volume that makes this week's prints unreliable benchmarks, and sharing model forecasts that point to modest price softening in the near term. The cash-to-futures relationship gets its own spotlight, with CME live cattle futures running at a notable discount to cash markets — a dynamic that's been providing upward price support and signaling that traders see staying power in current cash strength. The June WASDE report projects steady prices for both cattle and corn, offering some stability amid broader uncertainty. The episode also examines the global trade pressures stacking up around the industry: Russian strikes on Ukraine's Black Sea port infrastructure are threatening grain export flows with downstream implications for US feed costs, while US beef exports continue to lag year-over-year with China's absence as a buyer cited as a key driver. Jim draws on firsthand experience from the 1988 drought and trade disruptions to put the current moment in historical perspective — and to caution against reactive decisions when multiple headwinds hit at once.

New World Screwworm has been confirmed in multiple Texas counties, and it's moving fast — at least four cases across Zavala and La Salle counties in a matter of days, triggering a livestock quarantine, a disaster declaration, and immediate ripple effects across both the cash and futures markets. This is the most significant livestock biosecurity threat to hit the U.S. in decades, and ranchers need to understand what it means right now. In this Tuesday Market Update for June 9, 2026, Brock and Jim break down the week's cattle market numbers, including strong early-week prices in the 500–549 lb. steer class at $475.80/cwt and a notable gap opening up between cash and futures markets. They walk through model forecasts for the next one to four weeks and explain why the heavier weight classes are flashing a timing signal for producers with flexibility. The episode digs deep into the screwworm outbreak — how it entered the U.S., how quickly it's spreading geographically, and why Jim's firsthand experience checking cattle in Presidio County in 1976 still carries hard lessons for ranchers in affected areas today. Brock and Jim also cover the trade disruptions flowing from the outbreak, including border restrictions with both Mexico and Canada, new tariff uncertainty across 60 countries, and what Brazil's clean FMD status signals about competitive dynamics in global protein markets.

A confirmed New World Screwworm detection in South Texas sent feeder cattle futures tumbling this week — and the market reacted exactly the way markets always do: fear first, facts later. For producers across the Southwest, this isn't an abstract biosecurity concern. It's a direct threat to cattle movement, market confidence, and trade relationships. On this week's episode of Cattle Market Guys, Brock and Jim break down a feeder market that has quietly shed significant ground over the past month, with medium and large frame one steers in the 500–549 pound class dropping roughly $20 per hundredweight over four weeks. Model projections suggest continued softness in the near term, particularly in the six-weight class, before a modest recovery. The screwworm confirmation — and the USDA's initial denial followed by rapid reversal — is identified as a key driver of that market uncertainty. Brock and Jim also cover a genuinely encouraging export story, with Caribbean and Central American beef demand posting record first-quarter values, led by strong performances in the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. On the trade policy front, the episode examines proposed U.S. tariffs targeting Brazil and sixty other economies, and flags a development with long-range implications: China's decision to lift FMD restrictions on all of Brazil, opening a major new channel for one of America's chief competitors in global beef markets.

A screwworm detection just 31 miles from the US border has USDA on high alert — and for a cattle herd already at historically tight supply levels, the timing couldn't be worse. If this parasite crosses into the United States, the damage to an already fragile rebuilding cycle could be severe. In this Tuesday market update, Brock and Jim break down a meaningful two-week price pullback in feeder steers, with five-weight cattle dropping roughly $18 and six-weights falling approximately $20 from early May levels. Forward projections point to additional softness in the two-week window — particularly a sharp dip on six-weight steers to $378.44 per hundredweight — before prices begin to recover heading into the four-week mark. Beyond the weekly numbers, Brock and Jim examine where the US cattle herd stands in the broader cattle cycle. The herd is entering early-stage expansion, but historical patterns show that slaughter volumes and beef production typically decline before they recover — a counterintuitive dynamic that caught many producers off guard in past cycles. Drought conditions across the Lower 48 are complicating the rebuild, with pasture coverage moving in the wrong direction. On the demand side, CME futures sold off sharply on consumer spending concerns and fuel prices before rebounding on technical buying — a pattern that reflects genuine uncertainty about beef affordability as pork and other proteins compete for wallet share at the meat case.

Cattle futures whipped in three different directions in a single week — and the forces driving that volatility have serious implications for producers with cattle to move this summer. With higher-than-expected feedlot placements, elevated fuel prices hammering consumer purchasing power, and pork cutout values quietly climbing, the beef demand picture is flashing yellow. In this Friday wrap for the week of May 29th, 2026, Brock and Jim break down a turbulent week across cattle markets. The data shows feeder steer prices softening from May highs, with model forecasts pointing to a meaningful step-down over the next four weeks — the lighter 500-549 pound class is projected to drop from $443 at one week out to $408 at four weeks, a gap that represents real money on any size pen. Brock and Jim dig into what's driving that trajectory: bearish placement numbers, fuel-driven consumer anxiety, and early signs of protein substitution toward chicken and pork. The episode also covers major corporate news in meat processing, including Tyson Foods replacing its CEO amid underperformance in its beef segment, while Hormel beats estimates on the strength of poultry demand. Brock and Jim discuss what a leadership shake-up at the country's largest beef packer could mean for procurement and cash price relationships. The bottom line this week: producers with cattle to market in the next four to six weeks are advised not to wait for a better number that may not come.

Feeder cattle futures hit limit down after the USDA's May cattle on feed report landed sharply above market expectations — and the selloff didn't stop there. For producers with cattle to move this summer, the price risk picture changed fast, and Brock and Jim break down exactly what happened and what it means. In this Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim open with a detailed look at feeder steer prices across weight classes, where cash markets have been softening throughout May and model projections point to further declines in the weeks ahead. They walk through the USDA cattle on feed report that caught traders offside, the simultaneous softening in consumer demand sentiment around Memorial Day, and why the gap between cash and futures deserves close attention right now. The conversation then shifts to the longer-term supply picture — with the U.S. beef cow herd near record lows, USDA projecting a beef production decline in 2027, and drought conditions adding further pressure, the structural case for strong prices remains intact even as near-term futures pull back. Brock and Jim also cover a packed global trade week: the Mexico-EU free trade agreement, China's suspension of beef imports from Brazilian meatpacking plants, Argentina's soybean export tax cuts, and an EU fertilizer tariff waiver — and what each development means for U.S. cattle and feed markets heading into summer.

Feeder cattle prices are sliding, futures whipsawed three times in three days, and a screwworm outbreak on the southern border is costing Mexico nearly two billion dollars in livestock losses. For U.S. cattle producers, this week delivered a perfect storm of market volatility, global trade shifts, and escalating biosecurity threats — all hitting at once. In this Friday wrap, Brock and Jim break down the latest feeder steer price data, with five-weight steers softening to $464.41/cwt and model projections pointing toward continued downward pressure in the weeks ahead. They walk through a chaotic week in cattle futures — corn-driven selloffs, technical selling, partial recoveries, and pre-report uncertainty — and make the case that demand strength, not just tight supply, is the real story behind elevated prices. On the global stage, Brock and Jim examine China's dominance as the world's largest beef importer, Brazil's push to expand meatpacking access to Chinese markets, and record-setting U.S. beef variety meat exports. They also dig into the biosecurity situation demanding immediate producer attention: USDA has escalated its sterile fly dispersal response to the advancing New World screwworm threat, the U.S.-Mexico border closure remains in effect, and Jim shares a firsthand account from the 1995 screwworm flare-up that still applies today. As Jim puts it, biosecurity is like a fence — it only works if you maintain it every single day.

US cattle supplies have just hit a 75-year low — and the futures market is reacting with the kind of volatility that hasn't been seen in decades. At the same time, a landmark US-China trade agreement has committed Beijing to purchasing at least $17 billion in American agricultural products annually through 2028, explicitly reopening beef and poultry trade between the two nations. These two seismic forces — a historic supply squeeze and a major export market reopening simultaneously — are colliding in real time, and producers need to understand what both mean for their bottom line heading into the summer of 2026. In this Tuesday market update for May 19th, 2026, Brock and Jim break down the latest cash and futures numbers across the key feeder weight classes. Five-hundred to five-forty-nine pound steers came in at $464.41 per hundredweight for the week ending May 10th on heavy volume, while the six-hundred to six-forty-nine pound class settled at $418.26 per hundredweight. Both classes showed modest week-over-week softening, and the model forecast projects a gradual step-down over the four-week horizon — particularly in heavier feeders — a trend Brock and Jim flag as one producers need to monitor closely. Front-month futures are trading at a notable discount to cash, reflecting geopolitical uncertainty baked into the forward curve rather than any fundamental shift in supply. CME Group's announcement that it is expanding daily trading limits for live cattle and feeder cattle futures effective June 2026 — citing historically tight supplies — adds another layer of urgency for producers with existing hedges. Brock and Jim dig deep into the China trade story, offering both the bullish case and the historical caution that experienced market watchers know well. While seventy-seven new US beef establishment registrations took effect May 15th and the diplomatic commitment is concrete, thirty-eight US establishments remain suspended, and the logistics of moving meaningful export volume takes months to develop. Jim draws on a telling story from the 1996 China trade talks — when futures rallied hard on promise alone, only to give back gains when implementation lagged — as a warning against overcommitting to a rally before the trucks are actually rolling. US beef exports fell eleven percent in March 2026 due to the Chinese market lockout, and while the reopening has genuine long-term upside, the near-term price action is likely to overshoot in both directions as implementation details emerge. The episode closes with a sharp look at global beef trade dynamics and the competitive pressures US exporters face from South American rivals. Brazilian beef processors reported a twenty-seven percent jump in first-quarter net profit driven by surging export volumes into the same global markets US producers are trying to capture. Brazil's widening male-to-female cattle price differential signals that fed cattle supply is tightening globally — not just domestically — reinforcing the structural nature of the current price environment. On a more encouraging note, US beef variety meat exports hit a record monthly value high in March despite the China lockout, pointing to resilient demand in secondary markets like Japan, South Korea, and Mexico. Brock summarizes the three producer takeaways from the episode: watch the softening trend in heavier feeders, don't chase the China rally blindly, and recognize that quality and traceability — not volume — are the competitive advantages US beef must lean on in an increasingly contested global market.

Cattle markets delivered one of the most volatile weeks in recent memory — and somehow came out the other side looking stronger than ever. Cash fed cattle prices surged to $265 live and $410 dressed by midweek, even as CME futures whipsawed violently on competing headlines about beef import tariffs out of Washington. The divergence between a cash market driven by razor-thin physical supply and a futures market reacting to every policy rumor tells producers everything they need to know about where the real fundamentals stand right now. In this Friday wrap for the week ending May 15, 2026, Brock and Jim break down a market snapshot showing feeder steer prices holding remarkable resilience despite the noise. The 500–549 pound weight class closed the reporting week at $467.64 per hundredweight on volume exceeding 5,200 head — essentially unchanged from early April levels — while the 600–649 pound class came in at $418.75 on nearly 7,000 head. That roughly $50 per hundredweight spread between the two weight classes is a clear signal from the market: lighter feeder cattle with more days of gain still command a strong premium. Near-term forecast models point to a constructive outlook for both classes, with the lighter 500-weight steers projected to peak near $460.29 per hundredweight at the three-week mark, and the heavier 600-weight class building steadily toward $425.65 at four weeks out. Brock and Jim also unpack the week's futures market drama in detail, walking through the full round trip in sentiment that ran from Monday's sell-off on tariff reduction expectations through Wednesday's recovery to near-record highs. The Trump administration reportedly prepared executive orders to temporarily lower beef import tariffs — framed as a response to retail beef prices running 16% above pre-Trump levels and up 2.7% in April alone — only to delay signing them, with the White House later confirming it is "fine-tuning" rather than abandoning the plan. Jim draws on a parallel from 1998 when similar import-threat headlines rattled the Abilene cattlemen's meeting for months before actual import volumes proved far smaller than feared, offering critical historical perspective on the gap between policy noise and real-world market impact. The episode digs into what Brock calls the foundation of the entire market story: persistently tight US cattle supply and the challenges facing herd rebuilding. Tyson Foods' CFO described producer herd rebuilding efforts as "spotty" this week and projected that beef, pork, and poultry costs will remain elevated through 2027 — a forecast that carries significant weight coming from one of the country's largest processors. The May USDA WASDE report reinforced that view, projecting higher prices for cattle, corn, and wheat amid continued supply tightness. Brock and Jim close with four things producers should be watching closely in the weeks ahead: the details of any tariff executive orders, packer slaughter volume trends, feeder cattle movement data from the USDA marketings report, and — perhaps most importantly — the discipline to keep reactive, headline-driven hedging decisions out of a marketing plan that should be built on breakevens, not breaking news.

Feeder cattle prices are softening just as Washington threatens to flood the market with Brazilian beef — and the futures market is flashing warning signals that cattle producers cannot afford to ignore. The Trump administration is expected to temporarily reduce beef import tariffs on Brazilian product following a White House meeting between President Trump and Brazilian President Lula — a meeting reportedly arranged by JBS co-owner Joesley Batista, a Brazilian billionaire whose company stands to be among the primary beneficiaries of any tariff reduction. Futures tumbled on that news before partially recovering, adding to an already volatile week that saw prices swing in both directions as traders weighed geopolitical headlines against increasingly uncertain fundamentals. In this Tuesday Market Update for May 12, 2026, Brock and Jim break down the latest cash and futures market numbers, including feeder steer prices across the 500–549 and 600–649 pound weight classes, which have both given back a few dollars from mid-April highs. Near-term model forecasts show a modest dip before a gradual recovery — but Brock is clear that those projections assume the Brazil trade situation doesn't materially escalate. With front-month futures sitting at $371.87 and deferred contracts trading at a significant discount to cash, the pair dig into what it actually means to try to hedge cattle in a market with no carry, and why that combination of record cash prices and discounted futures can be more dangerous than it looks on the surface. Jim draws on a firsthand account from 1994, when strong feeder prices masked a treacherous hedging environment that left unhedged operators badly exposed when markets turned. The history lesson lands with real force given today's conditions: live cattle prices have risen 525 percent since 2022, packer bids are showing no urgency, and feedlot operators trying to forward price cattle are essentially being told by the board to take less than today's cash market is offering. Brock and Jim also examine the role of a single JBS principal in brokering what is ostensibly a diplomatic trade meeting, and what that level of private sector influence means for US cattle producers trying to assess whose interests are shaping federal trade policy. Rounding out the episode, Brock and Jim cover the broader macro picture pressing down on the cattle sector from multiple directions simultaneously. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reported that global food prices climbed in April to their highest level in more than three years, driven in part by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the Iran war — a supply chain disruption that is pushing energy costs, fertilizer prices, and transportation costs higher across agriculture. On the demand side, the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreak — with losses now topping 200 million birds since 2022 — has provided structural support for beef demand as consumers shift toward alternative proteins, while a steady April jobs report with unemployment holding at 4.3 percent signals that consumers still have spending capacity. Brock and Jim make the case that producers who understand all of these variables together — not just the cash price — are the ones best positioned to stay solvent through whatever comes next.

The Department of Justice has formally expanded its antitrust investigation into Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef over beef pricing practices. This development comes as Tyson Foods reports its beef division is losing up to $500 million despite raising overall profit outlook. Market analysts suggest this investigation could significantly impact cattle prices and producer relationships with packers in the coming months. In this critical Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim analyze the latest cattle market data showing a meaningful slide of roughly $16 per hundredweight for 600-649 pound steers over the past two weeks. They examine the substantial premium for lighter cattle, currently running at approximately $48 per hundredweight over heavier cattle, indicating feedlots remain hungry for placement cattle despite market pressures. The hosts dive deep into how packer losses are affecting slaughter volumes and market dynamics, with Brock noting that "packers are taking on larger inventories rather than moving cattle through at a pace that would support prices." Jim shares personal historical perspective from similar market conditions in the late 1990s, providing context for today's challenges. They also address how drought conditions threaten the ongoing herd rebuilding efforts, particularly in the Southern Plains where El Niño patterns are expected to keep regions drier than normal through summer. On a more positive note, the episode covers significant international trade developments, including restored duty-free access for U.S. beef in the United Kingdom. The hosts discuss how the U.S. Meat Export Federation's promotional events in London could help create demand at the export level, potentially supporting domestic prices. Brock and Jim conclude with practical market forecasts for May, offering guidance for producers navigating these complex market conditions.

Cattle futures have risen for five consecutive sessions amid growing concerns over the New World Screwworm outbreak, with emergency treatments now authorized by the FDA. The USDA has broken ground on a sterile fly facility in Texas as part of containment efforts, while expectations for reopening the US-Mexico border to cattle imports continue to fade. This health crisis is creating significant market volatility, with historical parallels suggesting producers should carefully time their marketing decisions during fear-driven price spikes. In this Week in Review episode, Brock and Jim analyze the complex factors driving current cattle market dynamics. They begin with a detailed market snapshot showing medium and large frame steers (600-649 lbs) trading at $415.51/cwt, while lighter cattle command significantly higher prices at $463.51/cwt. Their four-week forecast suggests potential softening for heavier cattle before a modest bounce in week four. The hosts dive deep into the screwworm situation, examining how emergency regulatory actions are impacting the market. Jim shares historical context from a 1992 outbreak, offering valuable perspective on how temporary price spikes during health scares can quickly reverse. The episode also explores the unusually narrow Choice-Select spread that recently inverted for the first time since 2009, signaling potential shifts in consumer behavior and feeding strategies. Border policies and international trade round out the discussion, with Brock and Jim examining how the continued border closure affects domestic feeder cattle supply. They connect global events, including rejected soybean meal shipments in Europe, to potential impacts on U.S. feed costs. The episode concludes with guidance for producers navigating this complex, news-driven market that features both promising fundamentals and significant risks heading into summer.

Record-breaking ground beef demand and suspended Mexican cattle imports are creating a perfect storm for elevated cattle prices, with six-weight steers trading at $415.51/cwt. Despite forecasts showing some softening in heavier cattle over the coming weeks, the market fundamentals remain strong heading into summer. Meanwhile, University of Nebraska researchers have developed a promising H5N1 vaccine for cattle that could transform biosecurity protocols. In this Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim deliver a comprehensive analysis of current cattle market conditions, including detailed price breakdowns across weight classes and a four-week price forecast. They examine why lighter cattle are commanding significant premiums and how cash prices improving alongside larger slaughter volume signals genuine demand growth. The hosts dive into critical animal health developments, discussing not only the groundbreaking H5N1 vaccine research but also key stress points in beef-on-dairy calf production and the concerning trend of increasing mature cow size (averaging 7.7 pounds per year over sixty years). With a strong El Niño forecast for late 2026, producers need to consider how larger cows and potential feed cost increases could impact profitability. The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on beef demand, highlighting record per capita ground beef supplies and how changing consumer preferences—even among those using GLP-1 medications—may actually benefit quality beef producers. Jim shares colorful historical perspective on how the industry has evolved since the lean-focused 1980s, reminding listeners that market cycles eventually come full circle.

**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.

BREAKING MARKET ALERT: Cattle prices holding strong despite forecasted volatility ahead! While 600-649 pound steers maintain strength at $421.89/cwt, experts predict a rollercoaster pattern over the next four weeks with prices dipping before climbing back to $423.63/cwt. The latest USDA Cattle on Feed report shows tightening supplies that could support stronger prices through 2026. In this week's Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim deliver a comprehensive analysis of the cattle market landscape heading into late April 2026. The hosts break down current cash market strength across multiple weight classes, with 600-649 pound steers trading at $421.89/cwt and lighter 500-549 pound steers commanding $470.58/cwt. They examine the slight gap between front-month futures at $374.15 and next-month futures at $372.35, signaling potential market adjustments ahead. The episode features an in-depth discussion of the April 2026 USDA Cattle on Feed report, which revealed a 1% year-over-year decline in cattle inventory to 11.58 million head. Brock explains how these tighter supplies typically support stronger prices, though variables like feed costs and competing protein markets could influence the outlook. Jim shares historical perspective on market volatility, recounting lessons from past market swings and emphasizing the importance of quality production regardless of market conditions. Environmental challenges facing producers take center stage in the final segment, with drought conditions worsening by 1.6% across the lower 48 states just last week. The hosts discuss the impact of below-average snowpack in western states and a potential screwworm resurgence that has prompted USDA preparation. Jim offers valuable insight from his experience during the devastating 1988 drought, emphasizing the timeless wisdom of protecting superior genetics when facing environmental challenges and the importance of planning ahead in cattle operations.

**Front-month cattle futures hit contract high of $251.78, soaring $5.57 week-over-week! Heavy volume trading continues with 600-649lb steers moving at $420.81/cwt while lighter weights command premium prices. Packers are bidding aggressively as beef quality trends shift dramatically toward Prime and Choice grades.** In this week's market wrap-up, Brock and Jim analyze the striking upward movement in cattle futures alongside current cash market dynamics. The hosts dive deep into price differentials between weight classes, with 500-549lb steers fetching $468.74/cwt compared to heavier steers at $420.81/cwt despite significantly higher volume in the heavier category. The episode explores the impressive rally in futures contracts, with June through August contracts rising between $2.57 and $2.87. Brock and Jim discuss the strategic implications for producers considering hedge contracts versus waiting for potential continued strength, with Jim sharing a valuable historical perspective from the market crash of '87. The conversation highlights the importance of maintaining a steady approach during market volatility rather than making panic-driven decisions. Quality grade distribution takes center stage as Brock explains the ongoing shift toward Prime and Choice beef production, with Select grades continuing to decline. The hosts examine how this quality transformation is rewarding producers who invest in genetics and nutrition programs capable of delivering premium grades. Jim offers insights from decades of experience watching the market gradually recognize and reward higher marbling. The discussion concludes with crucial analysis of consumer affordability concerns as beef prices have jumped 16% year-over-year. Brock and Jim warn producers to watch for potential demand erosion heading into grilling season, with Jim recounting lessons from 1996 when retail price resistance eventually impacted ranch-level economics. The hosts emphasize how market signals flow from retail counters back to ranches, making consumer trends vital information for strategic planning.

The recent labor agreement at the JBS USA Greeley beef facility has ended three weeks of market uncertainty that was creating ripple effects throughout the cattle supply chain. This resolution highlights how labor disputes in meatpacking directly impact producer profits when cattle can't move on schedule. Brock and Jim analyze what this settlement means for market stability heading into summer 2026. In this Tuesday Market Update, Brock and Jim break down current market conditions with feeder cattle showing mixed results across weight classes. The 600-649 pound category held steady at $420.81/cwt, while lighter feeders in the 500-549 pound range traded higher at $468.74/cwt, showing 1-2% strength compared to March averages. The hosts analyze how these price variations reflect seasonal demand patterns and buyer strategies. The conversation explores broader economic challenges facing cattle producers, including rising inflation and worsening drought conditions across the Lower 48. Jim shares his experience from the devastating drought of '88 to illustrate how weather extremes force difficult decisions about herd management and financial planning. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining cash reserves and making strategic decisions during market downturns. Rounding out the episode, Brock and Jim discuss exciting developments with the new "Product of USA" labeling rules requiring beef to be born, raised and processed domestically. They note the impressive strength in live cattle futures trading between $240-245/cwt (up $30 from last year) and feeder futures ranging from $365-370/cwt (up $70 year-over-year). The hosts emphasize how quality premiums are creating opportunities for producers with superior genetics and management practices.

BREAKING: Cattle prices hit record highs with 600-649lb steers averaging $417.13/cwt, up from $414.88 last week with heavy volume exceeding 6,600 head. Lighter steers (500-549lb) command even higher prices at $464.39/cwt, showing remarkable stability as we move into spring 2026. The USDA's April WASDE report projects these robust pricing trends will continue through much of the year despite expected increases in beef imports. In this week's market wrap-up, Brock and Jim analyze the current state of cattle markets, discussing the impressive price stability across key weight ranges and what it means for producers. They examine the latest futures contracts, with front-month sitting at $364.63 and next month at $362.54, highlighting the optimism reflected in physical markets compared to futures prices. The hosts delve into international trade developments, particularly the potential reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border for cattle trade within the next 2-4 weeks. This border has been closed since November 2024, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' announcement could signal significant changes for domestic supply and pricing. Jim shares his experience from previous border closures, offering valuable perspective on adapting to sudden market disruptions. The episode concludes with an examination of recent USDA reports, including marketing numbers showing 1.522 million head marketed in February and growing drought concerns. The Drought Monitor reports a 0.2% increase in affected areas across the lower 48 states and a concerning 9.2% year-over-year increase. Brock and Jim discuss practical strategies for producers to navigate these challenges while maintaining profitability in today's dynamic cattle market environment.

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.

Cattle markets show resilience in lighter weight categories despite broader market pressures, with 500-549 lb steers holding at $460.74/cwt - up from mid-March levels. However, the six-weight category continues its gradual decline from early March highs, now settling at $413.39/cwt. This divergence between weight classes, coupled with futures trailing live cattle prices, signals ongoing market uncertainty as the industry moves into the post-Easter period.In this week's episode of Tuesday Market Update, hosts Brock and Jim provide comprehensive analysis of current cattle market conditions, diving deep into price trends across different weight categories and exploring the factors driving market movements. Their discussion includes detailed price comparisons, volume data, and forward-looking predictions for both light and heavy cattle.The conversation takes a crucial turn toward environmental challenges, with particular focus on the alarming 2.5% increase in drought conditions across the Lower 48 states in just one week. Brock and Jim examine the implications for producers, especially those in the southern plains, and share strategic insights for managing resources during increasingly difficult conditions.The hosts round out the episode with an important discussion of global trade dynamics, analyzing the significant 18% year-over-year increase in beef imports and its impact on domestic markets. This examination includes valuable historical perspective from Jim's decades of experience, helping listeners understand how international market forces continue to shape local pricing and marketing decisions in today's cattle industry.

Global beef markets face potential disruption as Australian production heads toward record levels in 2026. With U.S. beef imports already up 18% year-over-year and Australian exports poised to surge, domestic producers are bracing for increased competition. This week's episode of Cattle Market Guys examines how these international developments could impact U.S. cattle prices and what strategies producers should consider.In this comprehensive market review, hosts Brock and Jim analyze current cattle prices across weight ranges, with six-weight steers holding steady at $413.31/cwt and five-weights showing a slight decline to $455.21/cwt. They explore how shrinking show lists and tight packer margins are influencing market dynamics, while cash-fed cattle trade at $235/cwt and choice boxed beef rises to $400.11.The discussion delves into emerging consumer trends, particularly the potential impact of GLP-1 weight-loss medications on beef consumption patterns. Brock and Jim examine how changing dietary habits and the growing importance of supply chain relationships could reshape producer strategies in the months ahead.Drawing from decades of market experience, the hosts provide historical context for today's challenges, comparing current conditions to past market cycles and offering practical insights for producers navigating an increasingly complex global marketplace. Their analysis emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and maintaining a strategic approach to marketing in the face of international competition and evolving consumer preferences.

Record-high retail beef prices are testing consumer demand limits, with Choice cuts hitting $10.12/lb and all-fresh beef averaging $9.64/lb in February 2026. These unprecedented price levels raise critical questions about potential demand erosion and protein substitution effects. Market experts Brock Peters and Jim Thompson explore whether these prices are sustainable or if the industry is approaching a tipping point that could trigger a market correction.In this week's market update, Brock and Jim analyze the latest cattle market data, including notable trends in the 600-649 lb steer category, which saw prices climb to $413.31/cwt. The hosts examine current futures contracts and processing margins, providing context for what these indicators suggest about market direction.The episode delivers an in-depth look at processing capacity challenges and their impact on the supply chain, drawing from historical examples to illustrate potential risks. Discussion includes analysis of the March Cattle on Feed report, which shows feedlot inventories at 11.55 million head, representing a slight year-over-year decrease and its implications for future price movements.Brock and Jim conclude with a comprehensive examination of retail beef prices and consumer behavior patterns, sharing insights from past market cycles and identifying key signals that could indicate shifting demand. Their analysis helps producers understand the delicate balance between maintaining strong prices and retaining consumer loyalty in an increasingly competitive protein market.

Cattle markets face significant downward pressure as prices for 500-549lb steers drop over $14 in just two weeks, now sitting at $453.46/cwt. This concerning trend is matched by weakening cash trades across the country, with live cattle trading at $235/cwt and dressed cattle at $372/cwt. The market softness heading into spring has producers on edge as multiple factors contribute to the ongoing price decline.In this week's comprehensive market review, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the current state of cattle markets, examining both immediate price pressures and forward projections across weight categories. They dive deep into volume movements, revealing interesting dynamics between lighter and heavier weight cattle, with heavier steers showing potential support despite overall market weakness.The episode takes a serious turn as the hosts discuss an emerging threat to U.S. cattle operations: New World Screwworms. Drawing from historical experience, they outline critical preventative measures producers need to implement immediately, especially in states bordering tropical climates. Jim shares firsthand experience from past screwworm outbreaks, offering valuable insights into effective management strategies.The conversation then shifts to the devastating impact of wildfires and drought conditions in the Western U.S., where over 700,000 acres have burned in Nebraska alone. Brock and Jim examine how these natural disasters compound existing market pressures, forcing difficult decisions about herd management and feeding strategies. The episode concludes with a detailed analysis of market volatility, processor margins, and retail pricing disconnects, offering producers practical guidance for navigating these challenging conditions.

Breaking news from the Texas Panhandle as a new respiratory pathogen threatens feedlot operations across the region. This emerging health challenge poses significant risks to cattle performance and profitability, with producers scrambling to update vaccination protocols and management strategies. The timing couldn't be worse, as the industry simultaneously grapples with major processing disruptions, including a worker strike at the crucial JBS Greeley facility.In this packed episode of Cattle Market Guys, hosts Brock and Jim dive deep into three critical issues shaping the cattle markets this week. The discussion begins with a comprehensive market update, revealing a cooling trend in cattle prices across weight classes, with 600-649 pound steers closing at $413.13/cwt, down from previous weeks but with promising four-week forecasts.The conversation then turns to the emerging health crisis in Texas feedlots, drawing on Jim's historical perspective from similar outbreaks in the 1990s. Brock and Jim examine prevention strategies, diagnostic approaches, and the potential economic impact on operations caught unprepared. The hosts emphasize the critical importance of proactive management and updated protocols in managing this new threat.The episode concludes with an analysis of the processing sector's challenges and opportunities, including the ongoing JBS Greeley strike's impact on the supply chain. Despite these hurdles, there's positive news on the export front, with variety meat exports hitting record values exceeding $415 per head of fed slaughter. The hosts explore how these various factors interact to influence market dynamics and what producers should watch for in the coming weeks.

Labor tensions mount as JBS's Greeley plant faces potential shutdown next week, with 3,800 union workers voting overwhelmingly to strike. The Colorado facility, one of America's largest beef processors, could create significant market disruption if workers walk out on March 16th. This development comes as cattle futures are already trading lower, suggesting possible market corrections ahead as buyers prepare for reduced processing capacity.In this week's comprehensive market review, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the latest cattle market data showing stability in cash markets but concerning trends in futures. Five-weight steers are holding at $464.88/cwt, while six-weight categories maintain steady volume with over 8,000 head sold. However, futures markets paint a more cautious picture, with prices trending downward across multiple weight classes.The episode delves deep into three major market forces affecting producers: the looming JBS labor strike, international trade disruptions, and market consolidation concerns. Brock and Jim examine how Middle East conflicts and U.S.-Mexico border closures are impacting feed costs and cattle supplies, particularly affecting operations in the Southwest. They also discuss Senator Schumer's new legislation targeting major meatpackers and its potential industry implications.Drawing from historical perspective, the hosts compare current market challenges to past industry events, including the 1986 IBP strike that severely impacted cattle prices and processing capacity. The discussion provides valuable context for producers navigating today's complex market landscape, with particular emphasis on preparing for potential processing disruptions and adapting to evolving industry dynamics.