Monday markets
The market continued its higher trading pattern to open the week.
Live cattle futures closed higher, up $1.25 on the April contract to $235.30 and up $1.22 on the June contract to $234.65.
“The live cattle complex is trading mostly higher into Monday’s noon hour, although a couple of the late 2026 contracts are trading slightly lower,” wrote ShayLe Stewart, DTN livestock analyst, in her midday comments.
“More than anything, it’s likely the note of steady on-feed numbers has traders concerned there may be more supply available in the later part of 2026 than originally anticipated, which could be partly driving down those contracts Monday morning,” Stewart said.
Cash trade for the day was light, with less than 100 head sold. No market trends were noted. On the formula side, a total of 30,700 head averaging 947 lbs. averaged $377.67.
Cash trade for the week ending March 22 totaled 53,715 head. Live steers sold from $232-238, and dressed steers sold from $372-380.
Boxed beef prices were mixed on 73 loads. The Choice cutout lost 98 cents to close at $399.13, and the Select cutout gained 89 cents to close at $393.83.
Slaughter for the day is estimated at 105,000 head, compared to 98,000 head a week earlier. Total slaughter for last week is projected at 508,000 head.
USDA released its latest Cattle on Feed report on Friday. The report showed cattle and calves on feed as of March 1 at 11.5 million head, slightly below the same time last year. Placements were 4% higher at 1.61 million head. Marketings were 7% lower, and other disappearance was 17% lower.
Feeder cattle
Feeder cattle futures were higher, up 70 cents on the March contract to $358.45 and up $1.30 on the April contract to $352.47.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index gained $1.37 to close at $362.06.
Corn futures were lower, down 6 cents on the May contract to $4.59 and down 5 cents on the July contract to $4.70.
“Demand was stronger last week in sale barns across the countryside as green grass is just around the corner for most producers, and that was evident in sales as grass calves were bringing more money,” Stewart said. “It’s likely that trend will continue this week, especially if the board remains encouraging.”
Missouri: Joplin Regional Stockyards in Carthage sold 6,500 head on Monday. Compared to a week earlier, at the open, feeder steers sold $5-15 lower and feeder heifers sold steady to $5 lower. A group of benchmark steers averaging 729 lbs. sold from $340-372, averaging $358.55.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City sold 5,500 head on Monday. Compared to the last sale, at the mid-session, feeder steers sold mostly steady and steer calves sold $5-15 higher. Feeder heifers and heifer calves sold steady to $5 higher. Benchmark steers averaging 782 lbs. sold from $350-380.50, averaging $365.10. — Anna Miller Fortozo, WLJ managing editor
