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“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
— William Shakespeare
MONDAY MEME
MARKET REPORT
WEATHER 20/20 REPORT
AGRICULTURE
NEW WOTUS RULE SPARKS DEBATE
WINTER MUD TAX CHALLENGES HERDS
NUTRITION KEY TO BREEDING SUCCESS
FINANCE
DAILY REPORTING
TRADERS EYE DECEMBER WASDE MOVES
CATTLE RALLY ON HIGHER TRADE
WATCHING FOR CORN DEMAND SHIFTS
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Close
343.73
Previous
341.8
Change
1.93 ▲
Friday, December 05
AUCTION SUMMARY
Mobridge Livestock
4,296 Mobridge, SD
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 300-400 lbs | 505.00-552.50 | 300-400 lbs | 450.00-505.00 |
| 400-500 lbs | 490.00-531.00 | 400-500 lbs | 415.00-467.50 |
| 500-600 lbs | 440.00-496.00 | 500-600 lbs | 353.00-407.00 |
| 600-700 lbs | 369.00-427.00 | 600-700 lbs | 358.00-388.00 |
| 700-800 lbs | 367.00-374.00 | 700-800 lbs | - |
Ogallala Livestock
3,310 Ogallala, NE
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 300-400 lbs | 587.50-637.50 | 300-400 lbs | 528.00-550.00 |
| 400-500 lbs | 495.00-527.50 | 400-500 lbs | 444.00-501.00 |
| 500-600 lbs | 422.00-470.00 | 500-600 lbs | 384.00-429.00 |
| 600-700 lbs | 402.00-411.00 | 600-700 lbs | 358.50-376.00 |
| 700-800 lbs | 345.00-390.50 | 700-800 lbs | 330.00-342.00 |
Napoleon Livestock
2,683 Napoleon, ND
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 400-500 lbs | 465.00-505.00 | 400-500 lbs | 415.00-452.50 |
| 500-600 lbs | 412.50-469.00 | 500-600 lbs | 365.00-420.00 |
| 600-700 lbs | 327.50-430.00 | 600-700 lbs | 350.00-390.00 |
| 700-800 lbs | 357.00-377.50 | 700-800 lbs | 323.00-329.00 |
| 800-900 lbs | 330.00-339.00 | 800-900 lbs | 311.00 |
CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE LIVESTOCK FUTURES SETTLEMENT
Friday
| Live Cattle | Change | Feeder Cattle | Change | ||
| Dec | 227.150 | 5.700 ▲ | Jan | 339.050 | 2.475 ▲ |
| Feb | 227.150 | 3.150 ▲ | Mar | 333.300 | 3.575 ▲ |
| Apr | 227.675 | 2.500 ▲ | Apr | 332.225 | 3.625 ▲ |
CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE GRAIN FUTURES SETTLEMENTS
Friday
| Corn | Change | Soy Beans | Change | ||
| Dec | 4.3675 | 0.0100 ▼ | Jan | 11.0525 | 0.1425 ▼ |
| Mar | 4.4475 | 0.0250 ▼ | Mar | 11.1600 | 0.1275 ▼ |
| May | 4.5225 | 0.0225 ▼ | May | 11.2550 | 0.1175 ▼ |
KANSAS CITY BOARD OF TRADE
Friday
| Wheat | Change | ||||
| Dec | 5.2325 | 0.0625 ▼ | |||
| Mar | 5.3125 | 0.0275 ▼ | |||
| May | 5.4275 | 0.0250 ▼ | |||
ESTIMATED DAILY CATTLE SLAUGHTER
| Friday | 115,000 | Thursday |
| Week Ago (est) | 109,000 | Steer & Heifer: 98,000 |
| Year Ago (act) | 118,000 | Cow & Bull: 23,000 |
| Wk To Date (est) | 590,000 | |
| Last Week (est) | 479,000 | |
| Last Year (est) | 603,000 |
Friday, December 05
5 AREA WEEKLY ACCUMULATED WEIGHTED AVG CATTLE PRICE
| As of 10:00 am | Head Count | Avg Weight | Avg Price |
| Live Steer | 17,698 | 1,592 | 220.02 |
| Live Heifer | 7,514 | 1,421 | 220.03 |
| Dressed Steer | 5,886 | 1,024 | 342.39 |
| Dressed Heifer | 850 | 861 | 343.12 |
DAILY ESTIMATED CUTOUT VALUES
| 600-900# | Choice | Select | Choice/Select Spread |
| Current Cutout Values: | 361.20 | 347.39 | 13.81 |
| Change from prior day: | -1.52▼ | -2.93▼ |
DAILY CATTLE SLAUGHTER
| Friday | 115,000 | Thursday |
| Week Ago | 109,000 | Steer & Heifer: 98,000 |
| Year Ago (act) | 118,214 | Cow & Bull: 23,000 |
| Week To Date | 590,000 | |
| Same Period Last Week | 479,000 | |
| Same Period Last Year | 603,188 |
Cattle markets are shifting fast, and Lauren Moylan and John Campbell dig into the forces reshaping price discovery and producer confidence. With a major packing plant in Nebraska shutting down and Brazilian beef imports accelerating, the industry is facing structural pressures that reach far beyond weekly price moves. This conversation breaks down how these changes ripple through cash markets, influence volatility, and challenge the long-term stability of the domestic cattle sector.
Takeaways:
The cattle market continues to hold strength despite sharp, unpredictable swings.
A Nebraska packing plant closure is tightening regional capacity and influencing bids.
Rising Brazilian beef imports present real competitive pressure for U.S. producers.
Short-term political decisions can create long-term vulnerabilities for the industry.
Cash markets remain the backbone of true price discovery, even in volatile cycles.
Speculation and rapid market reactions often magnify price instability.
Structural changes in the packing sector raise questions about future resilience.
Producers must understand both domestic disruptions and global dynamics to stay ahead.
Advocacy and industry involvement are more important than ever in shaping policy.
A clear grasp of market trends helps producers make informed management decisions.
Have a topic you want to hear discussed? Use the button below to send us your request and tune in to CattleUSA TV on YouTube to see the answer 🤠
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Friday, December 05
CattleUSA Insurance Partner Logic Ag Marketing Commentary
Everyone gets a turn this week as Danny is soaking up some rays in Florida. What a week for the cattle complex. Shane mentioned yesterday how quickly events and markets can turn. That pit in the bottom of a lot of cattle producers stomachs from last Monday have gone away, and judging by prices of feeder cattle selling this week, the full on bullishness has returned. This market has definitely provided opportunity for both bears and bulls of late. The question I have got a lot this week; where do we go from here? I'll be honest, we are at a very big crossroads at this weeks close, and I could see us test old highs, or test last weeks low by Christmas. Dan has talked about Mr. Fibonacci and his retracement levels before. The February live cattle 50% retracement level from last weeks lows to October's highs land at $227.25, which we settled just above. A move above this area on Monday could lead to a breakout higher and test of the gap left in late October that would fill at $233.425. A rejection at the 50% retracement level would suggest a setback from this week's rip your face off rally and potentially reverse the recent trend.
Boxes continue to hold the very important $360 level, but barely. Volume and kills were decent this week, but the question still remains if we have gotten through the glut of overweight cattle or not. Another snow system looks to hit the Midwest this weekend, and weather looks slightly bullish the market. On the flip side, Mr. Trump is visiting with both Canada and Mexico this afternoon, and makes one wonder if he will make any comments about border re-opening or lower priced beef. It seems to be a pattern for negative news to happen on a Friday as of late.
As you can see, it's fairly easy to make an argument to be bullish or bearish right now. I talked to a lot of panicked producers $20 ago on what the heck can we do now? Patience was the message back then, but I'm a lot less patient to get a floor in place here after this swift rally, don't have regret for a second time!
Hogs closed in the green but off the highs. We did see a higher weekly close which was encouraging, but they seem apprehensive of taking a bigger chunk of the selloff back.
-Fat cattle kill at 115,000 vs 109,000 a week ago and 118,200 a year ago
-Choice boxes down 1.52 to $361.20 and select down 2.93 to $347.39 for a spread of 13.81 on 152 loads
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Trading futures and options involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Review our full disclaimer at https://www.logicag.com/disclaimer
● 0.50”-1” rain/melted snow is likely from the northern Plains to east of the Mississippi river
● South of I-80 from IA to MO will see 0.10”-0.50”
● NE to west TX will see trace-0.25”
CattleUSA has teamed up with Weather 20/20 to bring you exclusive access to long-range weather forecasts using their patent-pending LRC methodology. Plan ahead with confidence and stay ahead of the weather—now at a special discounted rate for CattleUSA users!
New WOTUS Rule Sparks Debate
The Trump administration’s proposed WOTUS changes aim to align with the Sackett ruling by narrowing federal oversight to more permanent waters, easing pressure on ranchers seeking clarity. Ag groups welcome the shift, while environmental advocates warn it weakens clean water protections. Public comments are open through Jan. 5, 2026. read more here
Winter Mud Tax Challenges Herds
Ohio’s first snow brings relief from mud, but researchers warn muddy conditions sharply raise cow energy needs—equivalent to 4 pounds of corn daily—while also reducing feed intake. The “mud tax” hurts body condition and reproduction. Proper nutrition, protein balance, and management remain key to tightening calving windows and maintaining herd efficiency. read more here
Nutrition Key to Breeding Success
Producers are already shaping next year’s calf crop, and Purina’s Ted Perry stresses body condition score 6 as essential for cycling and rebreeding. Consistent nutrition and strong mineral programs reduce embryonic loss and help maintain tight calving windows. Regional forage challenges vary, but tailored mineral and feeding plans boost weaning weights. read more here
Friday, December 05
| MARKETS | PRICE | CHANGE | PERCENT |
| DOW | 47,954.99 | + 104.05 | 0.22% ▲ |
| S&P 500 | 6,870.40 | + 13.28 | 0.19% ▲ |
| NASDAQ | 23,578.13 | + 72.99 | 0.31% ▲ |
| Russell 2000 | 2,521.48 | - 9.67 | 0.38% ▼ |
| Gold | 4,227.70 | - 15.30 | 0.36% ▼ |
| Silver | 58.80 | - 0.25 | 0.43% ▼ |
| Bitcoin | 89,160.00 | - 3,021.00 | 3.28% ▼ |
| Crude Oil | 60.14 | + 0.06 | 0.10% ▲ |
Traders Eye December WASDE Moves
Ahead of the Dec. 9 WASDE, analysts expect demand-side tweaks only. Corn exports may rise, with feed use trimmed, keeping stocks steady to slightly lower. Soybean crush could increase while exports slip, leaving stocks unchanged. Wheat exports may be raised, tightening supplies. Historically, December WASDE volatility remains modest. read more here
Cattle Rally on Higher Trade
Live and feeder cattle climbed on sharply stronger cash trade, with Southern deals at $225 and Northern dressed sales up to $345. Ogallala calves sold sharply higher, while Nebraska hay held mostly steady. Boxed beef slipped. Hog futures firmed on oversold signals, though cash hogs softened amid demand uncertainty. read more here
Watching For Corn Demand Shifts
With harvest wrapped, the December WASDE is expected to leave corn production untouched while traders watch for demand revisions. Strong export commitments and inspections suggest USDA could raise use, though surveys show mixed expectations for ending stocks. Globally, early Argentina and Brazil crop outlooks keep world stocks steady. read more here
CattleUSA Daily Podcast:
Happy Monday!
May your coffee stay hot and your spirits high this week!
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