Cattle Prices Rebound on Thursday

101 finance2026/01/09 02:12

By:101 finance

Cattle Futures Continue Upward Momentum

Live cattle futures extended their Thursday rally, finishing the session between $0.75 and $1.25 higher. Cash market activity has remained subdued this week, with limited dressed trades in the North at $365 and live sales ranging from $228 to $232. The Fed Cattle Exchange online auction on Thursday morning concluded without any transactions, as bids reached only $230. Meanwhile, feeder cattle futures closed with notable gains, rising from $1.95 to $2.90. The CME Feeder Cattle Index climbed by $4.92 to reach $368.07 as of January 7.

Animal Health Update

The latest Thursday report from APHIS indicated an increase in New World Screwworm cases across several Mexican states, including Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi.

Related Market News

Beef Export and Import Insights

According to Export Sales figures, 10,600 metric tons of beef for 2026 were sold during the week of January 1. South Korea led purchases with 4,400 metric tons, followed by Mexico at 1,600 metric tons. Beef shipments totaled 12,695 metric tons for the closing days of 2025 and 146 metric tons for January 1.

Monthly Census data, adjusted to a carcass basis, showed beef exports in October reached 201 million pounds—the lowest October figure since 2015. Imports, unadjusted, amounted to 136,972 metric tons, marking a 6.68% increase from September.

Wholesale Beef and Slaughter Statistics

USDA's Thursday afternoon report indicated higher wholesale boxed beef prices, with the Choice-Select spread at $4.73. Choice boxed beef rose by $2.51 to $356.79, while Select increased by $2.78 to $352.06. The federally inspected cattle slaughter for Thursday was estimated at 117,000 head, bringing the week-to-date total to 465,000 head—10,732 fewer than the same period last year.

Futures Closing Prices

February 26 Live Cattle closed at $235.275, up $0.750
April 26 Live Cattle settled at $236.225, up $1.050
June 26 Live Cattle ended at $231.275, up $1.250
January 26 Feeder Cattle finished at $362.475, up $2.875
March 26 Feeder Cattle closed at $357.725, up $2.225
April 26 Feeder Cattle settled at $356.625, up $1.950

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

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