DTN Cattle Analysis and Recommendations

07/22/2026

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

2022: Sold short December cattle on September 26, 2022 for 25% of Nov/Dec marketings. Dec cattle were at $146.80 at the time of the recommendation.

CURRENT ASSESSMENT

It was another draining week for the live cattle complex as the futures market, fed cash cattle market and boxed beef prices all traded lower. Throughout the week Northern dressed cattle traded at mostly $377 to $380 which is $12.00 to $15.00 lower than the previous week’s weighted average and Southern live cattle traded at $237 to $238 which is $10.00 to $11.00 lower than the previous week’s weighted average. August live cattle is a type four — somewhat bearish market.

DAILY NOTE

October live cattle closed $4.02 lower at $219.20 as traders simply aren’t willing to advance nor support the contracts ahead of the month’s Cattle on Feed report or the Bi-Annual Cattle Inventory report. A few sales were noted in Iowa at $232 live and $375 dressed — but not enough cattle traded to say that any sort of a trend has developed. Wednesday’s slaughter is estimated at 95,000 head — 13,000 head less than a week ago and 20,000 head less than a year ago.

RECOMMENDATIONS

There have been no hedge recommendations yet in 2026 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.