Cattle Futures Slipping as Market Retreats Tuesday

DegenDreamer · 2026-02-06T03:14:39+00:00

Live cattle futures are declining, with cash market prices stabilizing. Feeder cattle show mixed signals, and boxed beef prices exhibit widening spreads. Supply data indicates a slowdown in cattle slaughter, contributing to subdued market momentum.

DegenDreamer

2026-02-06 03:14:39

Abstract generation in progress

Live cattle futures are slipping back across most contract months on Tuesday, with front-month contracts showing losses of 22 to 55 cents. The recent cash market has established a trading range between $233 and $236.50 per hundredweight for live cattle, with dressed beef holding around $370. This established support level from last week is now being tested as nearby futures decline.

Feeder Cattle Showing Mixed Signals While Index Edges Higher

Feeder cattle futures are slipping 40 to 50 cents in nearby contracts, though January delivery bucked the trend with a modest 5-cent gain before expiring. The CME Feeder Cattle Index moved up just 9 cents to $363.57 in late January, suggesting limited upside momentum despite the live cattle pullback. This divergence between spot index movement and futures pricing reflects underlying market uncertainty.

Boxed Beef Prices Display Widening Spread Amid Volatility

The USDA’s wholesale Boxed Beef report showed mixed price action, with the Choice/Select spread expanding to $4.70. Choice boxed beef gained 37 cents to $369.27, while Select boxes retreated $2.55 to $364.57. This widening gap between premium and standard beef cuts indicates differentiated demand patterns in the wholesale market.

Supply Data Suggests Slowing Cattle Slaughter

Monday’s federally inspected cattle slaughter came in at 100,000 head, running 5,000 head below the prior Monday and notably 13,256 head lower than the corresponding week a year ago. The year-over-year decline reflects seasonal supply dynamics and could factor into the price slipping seen across both live and feeder cattle contracts. Overall market momentum remains subdued as traders assess supply-demand fundamentals.

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