Commentary

Live Cattle futures increased on higher boxed beef values, while cash cattle fell for the third week. Feeder Cattle surged on tight supplies, while Lean Hogs and Corn both showed concern over trade restrictions.

Live cattle traded $2-3 lower this week but the futures markets managed to trade sideways. The USDA’s monthly Cattle on Feed report showed no surprises as cattle inside of feed yards is slightly smaller than a year ago and placements were 2% larger than 2024. Lean hogs fell victim to softer cash fundamentals, lead by the pork cutout, and April futures finished the week $4.925 lower. Corn continues to be supported as it posted new highs for the move this week but gave up most of their gains on Friday.

Live Cattle continue to fight headwinds of poor fundamentals and a record long position that is being unwound, while Feeder Cattle futures trade higher on historically high cash prices. Lean Hogs are following the cash fundamentals higher, setting new contract highs in the summer months. Corn exports remain strong and have shown good demand for U.S. corn, pushing futures to levels we haven’t seen since May 2024.

Feeder cattle futures stayed sweet this Valentine’s Day, edging higher with strong demand in the sales barns still but live cattle prices dropped sharply, pressured by weak cash trade and lower slaughter rates. Lean hogs hit new highs, but Mexico trade concerns linger. Corn stays strong with solid exports and prospects for increased 2025 planted acres.

Cattle futures fell due to bird flu concerns, though live cattle saw some recovery later, while feeder cattle remained weak with lower cash prices and pressure from imports from Mexico. Lean hogs stayed strong with higher production forecasts and strong prices, nearing contract highs. Corn markets held steady despite lower South American production estimates, strong U.S. ethanol demand and unchanged export projections.

Cash cattle traded $2 lower in the country this week, starting the downward trade in the futures. News of a new strain of bird flu caused the managed money to start to exit their near record-long position. Lean hog futures rebounded to end the week after the tariffs with Mexico were delayed a month. Corn posted new highs for the move this week but finished the week lower.

Agriculture commodities have seen a volatile start to the week and the month of February. Live and Feeder Cattle have seen lower prices on the reopening of the Mexican border for Feeder Cattle imports. Hog traders are paying close attention to tariff talks with Mexico, our biggest buyer of pork, and the grain markets have surged back to the most recent highs as tariffs with Mexico have been delayed until March 1.

Agriculture commodities finished the week under pressure as the Trump administration threatens tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Cash cattle trade was sharply higher in the south, while the north held together a fully steady week. Grain futures finished the week lower with concerns over tariffs and an abundance of bushels moving to end users. All eyes will be on announcements out of the White House this weekend that will set the stage for the beginning of the week.

Live cattle, feeder cattle, and lean hog futures are climbing, supported by strong cash markets, record-long positions, and tight supplies, with February live cattle futures up $16.950/cwt in 2025. Corn rebounded slightly after a two-day decline, helped by export sales and Argentina’s reduced export taxes, though cash basis weakens amid farmer selling.

Live cattle markets surged, with cash prices climbing to new highs and futures breaking records, driven by strong fundamentals and fund activity, while feedlot trade reached as high as $214/cwt. Feeder cattle and lean hog markets also showed strength, supported by record-long fund positions and higher cash values, while corn futures faced resistance near $5 amid increased global exports and rising ethanol production.