DTN Cattle Analysis and Recommendations

06/02/2026

Note: Futures and options are typically not good hedging tools for the cattle market. For hedging purposes in your state, check Livestock Risk Protection coverage and quotes at https://public.rma.usda.gov/livestockreports/LRPReport.aspx.

POSITIONS

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CURRENT ASSESSMENT

It was another challenging week for the live cattle complex as the market never found the ‘pot of gold’ it was searching for in the market’s fundamentals as boxed beef prices traded mixed and cash prices traded lower. Throughout the week Southern live cattle traded at $256 which is $4.00 lower than the previous week’s weighted average and Northern dressed cattle traded at $405 which is $5.00 lower than the previous week’s weighted average. August live cattle is a type 4 — somewhat bearish market.

DAILY NOTE

August live cattle closed $0.95 lower at $239.65 as trades were on edge following rumors regarding New World screwworm. USDA confirmed later today that a positive detection has not been found one mile from the border. Some light cash cattle trade developed in Texas at $255 — but there weren’t enough cattle traded to develop an accurate test. Tuesday’s slaughter is estimated 110,000 head — 1,000 head less than a week ago and 9,000 head less than a year ago.

RECOMMENDATIONS*

There have been no hedge recommendations yet in 2025 and none are expected anytime soon, as long as cattle supplies remain tight.

*DTN recommendations are general in nature and are not intended to be specific for any particular person or farming business. The buying and selling of futures or options involves substantial risk and is not suitable for everyone. DTN accepts no responsibility for actual trades made.