Cash Cattle Market Sees Mixed Movements

By Andi Anderson

Cash cattle markets across the Southeast experienced another week of mixed conditions as producers continued to respond to several weeks of policy uncertainty.

Auction markets showed variation across states and weight classes, reflecting the ongoing volatility in livestock markets. While calf prices moved higher in most areas, feeder cattle continued to see declines, marking another challenging week for producers selling heavier cattle.

Prices for 500–600 lb. steers in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee averaged $370 per hundredweight last week. This was an increase of $1.80 compared to the previous week.

However, prices remain $25 lower than levels reported during the week of October 17. In contrast, 700–800 lb. steers across the same region averaged $317 per hundredweight, a decrease of $5.89 from the previous week and roughly $26 below prices from three weeks ago.

Updated charts for Mississippi, Arkansas, and Kentucky highlight the latest price trends for both 500–600 lb. and 700–800 lb. steers since the beginning of 2024. These weekly statewide averages show steep drops in recent weeks following a period of significant volatility in cattle and beef markets.

Despite these declines, current price levels remain 70–80% higher than prices recorded last fall, demonstrating how elevated cattle values have remained over the past year.

Cattle futures ended lower again last week. The CME December Live Cattle contract fell $8.32 for the week ending November 7 and is now $20 lower than three weeks ago. The November Feeder Cattle contract dropped $45 during the same three-week period, ending the week at $326 per hundredweight.

Deferred contracts have also weakened, with the March Feeder Cattle contract falling more than $50 over the past three weeks to close at $314 per hundredweight.

Recent policy announcements aimed at slowing record-high beef prices have contributed to these declines, placing additional pressure on cattle markets. With new developments emerging late last week, producers and analysts remain in a wait-and-see mode as the industry evaluates the potential effects on future market movement.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar