Monday markets
The markets sailed higher today following Friday’s bullish Cattle on Feed report, and the news of a New World screwworm (NWS) case found less than 70 miles south of the U.S. border in Mexico.
Live cattle futures were higher, gaining $3.57 on the October contract to $237.15 and gaining $4.50 on the December contract to $240.22.
Cash trade for the day was light, with less than 100 head sold. On the formula side, a total of 30,200 head averaging 945 lbs. sold for $383.81.
Cash trade for the week ending Sept. 14 totaled 56,656 head. Live steers averaged $237.39, and dressed steers averaged $370.82.
Slaughter for the day is estimated at 110,000 head, on pace with a week ago. Total slaughter for last week is projected at 552,000 head.
Boxed beef prices were mixed on 108 loads. The Choice cutout lost 66 cents to close at $381.39, and the Select cutout gained $2.17 to close at $362.09.
On Sunday, USDA announced that Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality confirmed a new case of NWS in Nuevo León, Mexico, which is less than 70 miles from the border.
“This is a national security priority. We have given Mexico every opportunity and every resource necessary to counter NWS since announcing the NWS Bold Plan in June 2025,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Nevertheless, American ranchers and families should know that we will not rely on Mexico to defend our industry, our food supply, or our way of life.”
Rollins said the department would execute its five-pronged plan and take action to protect the border, “even in the absence of cooperation.”
USDA said the case originated from an 8-month-old heifer was moved to a feedlot in Nuevo León from a region in Mexico with known active NWS cases.
“The potential link to animal movement underscores the non-negotiable need for Mexico to fully implement and comply with the U.S.–Mexico Joint Action Plan for NWS in Mexico,” USDA said.
USDA will soon release what it calls a “significant plan” to help rebuild the American cattle supply, incentivize ranchers and revitalize the U.S. beef industry. “This is only the beginning with many more announcements coming this week as USDA restores American strength, protects food security, and supports America’s ranchers and farmers.”
The U.S. border remains closed to livestock imports from Mexico.
Feeder cattle
Feeder cattle futures were also higher, up $3.57 on the September contract to $362.72 and up $7.25 to $361.35 on the October contract.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index lost $1.99 to close at $360.63.
“The feeder cattle complex is trading limit higher in its furthest deferred months as trades clearly noted the lack of placements on Friday’s Cattle on Feed report and are extremely optimistic to see what the USDA is soon going to unveil,” wrote ShayLe Stewart, DTN livestock analyst, in her midday comments.
Corn futures were lower, with the December contract down 2 cents to $4.21 and the March contract also down 2 cents to $4.38.
Missouri: Joplin Regional Stockyards in Carthage sold 7,500 head on Monday. Compared to a week earlier, at the mid-session steers sold $5-20 higher and feeder heifers sold steady to $10 higher. Benchmark steers averaging 774 lbs. sold from $369-403, averaging $393.07.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City sold 5,000 head on Monday. Compared to a week earlier, feeder steers sold steady to $5 higher than the previous week’s test. Feeder heifers sold $4-8 higher. Steer calves sold $10-20 higher, and heifer calves sold $15-25 higher. Benchmark steers averaging 767 lbs. sold from $340-378, averaging $369.83.
South Dakota: Sioux Falls Regional in Worthing sold 1,319 head on Monday. Compared to a week earlier, spring-born steers and heifer calves sold with sharply higher undertones. Yearling steers and heifers were too narrowly compared for a good comparison. Benchmark steers averaging 775 lbs. sold from $385-402.50, averaging $390.82. — Anna Miller Fortozo, WLJ managing editor
