The Buzz Around Beef: A Closer Look at Market Shifts
USASat Jan 17 2026
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The recent stir in the cattle market has folks talking. It all started with some chatter about the New World Screw Fly near the Mexican border. Even though the border's been closed for over a year, Mexican cattle producers have been busy. They've set up feed bunks, brought in US corn, and built more slaughter facilities. So, beef is still being made, just on the other side of the border.
This shift has left the US with a lot of production capacity but fewer cattle to fill it. The market reacted sharply, partly because of fears about quarantines and halted cattle movement, like what happened with anthrax in Wyoming a few years back. But this time, the impact was bigger due to excessive buying and tight margins.
Producers have noticed changes in the market basis, with feeder cattle seeing some improvement. But if they try to sell now, they might face wider positive bases in feeder cattle and narrower, even non-existent, bases in fats.
Looking back, the cattle market has seen some wild swings over the past year. But things seem to be calming down. The next move might be lower, with prices contracting as supply tightens in the first quarter. If placements increase and marketing stays low, on-feed numbers could even out by March or April.
Beef production is expected to rise as packers try to bring margins back. This could lead to manipulated slaughter rates, raising beef prices and lowering cattle slaughter prices. It seems the rationing of the past few years is finally impacting production, paving the way for expansion.
Meanwhile, grains took a hit with the WASDE report showing increased production in corn, wheat, and soybeans. With no expected rise in demand, especially from biofuels, things don't look great for grain prices. Cheap feed might seem like a bonus for livestock producers, but it could lead to cheaper cattle and hogs.
Energies were all over the place this week, with saber-rattling likely playing a big role. Without a clear shift in actions against Iran, the downtrend might resume. Bonds are also volatile, stuck in a range due to persistent inflation and the President's desire for lower rates.
Agricultural producers are in a tough spot, with livestock and row crop producers on opposite ends. Beef and cattle production are also at odds, with cattlemen benefiting from price rises while packers struggle with negative margins.
This year is shaping up to be volatile, with multiple factors at play. Be prepared for significant price fluctuations ahead.
