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“Focused, hard work is the real key to success. Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it. If you aren't sure which way to do something, do it both ways and see which works better.”
— John Carmack
MONDAY MEME
MARKET REPORT
WEATHER 20/20 REPORT
AGRICULTURE
SCREWWORM MONITORING INTENSIFIES NEAR BORDER
CHOICE-SELECT SPREAD LOSING RELEVANCE
NEBRASKA CROPS STRUGGLE WITH DROUGHT
FINANCE
DAILY REPORTING
FARM ECONOMY FACES GROWING STRESS
CHINA PROMISES MORE AG PURCHASES
FARMLAND DEVELOPMENT SPARKS RURAL DEBATE
Introducing CattleChannel: A New Way to CattleUSA
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Friday, May 15
Apache Livestock
2,331 Apache, OK
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 600-700 lbs | 415.00-440.00 | 400-500 lbs | 455.00-500.00 |
| 700-800 lbs | 360.00-397.00 | 500-600 lbs | 387.50-460.00 |
| 800-900 lbs | 325.00-365.50 | 600-700 lbs | 365.00-395.00 |
| 900-1000 lbs | 341.50 | 700-800 lbs | 335.00-363.00 |
| 1000-1100 lbs | 310.00-318.50 | 800-900 lbs | 318.00 |
Winter Livestock
2,123 Pratt, KS
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 500-600 lbs | 420.00-507.50 | 400-500 lbs | 478.00-507.50 |
| 600-700 lbs | 388.00-443.00 | 500-600 lbs | 393.00-407.50 |
| 700-800 lbs | 368.00-397.00 | 600-700 lbs | 359.00-382.50 |
| 800-900 lbs | 338.00-365.00 | 700-800 lbs | 328.75-368.00 |
| 900-1000 lbs | 334.00-357.00 | 800-900 lbs | 317.50-335.00 |
Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Comm
2,034 Salina, KS
Thursday
| Feeder Steers - Medium & Large #1 | Feeder Heifers - Medium & Large #1 | ||
| 500-600 lbs | 442.50-540.00 | 400-500 lbs | 474.00-540.00 |
| 600-700 lbs | 415.00-454.00 | 500-600 lbs | 438.00-480.00 |
| 700-800 lbs | 371.00-410.00 | 600-700 lbs | 367.50-425.00 |
| 800-900 lbs | 342.50-373.75 | 700-800 lbs | 348.00-381.00 |
| 900-1000 lbs | 323.00-346.00 | 800-900 lbs | 324.00-348.00 |
CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE LIVESTOCK FUTURES SETTLEMENT
Friday
| Live Cattle | Change | Feeder Cattle | Change | ||
| Jun | 253.900 | 1.825 ▲ | May | 368.675 | 1.100 ▲ |
| Aug | 247.925 | 1.775 ▲ | Aug | 361.450 | 3.450 ▲ |
| Oct | 239.875 | 1.800 ▲ | Sep | 359.175 | 3.950 ▲ |
CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE GRAIN FUTURES SETTLEMENTS
Friday
| Corn | Change | Soy Beans | Change | ||
| Jul | 4.5575 | 0.1175 ▼ | Jul | 11.7700 | 0.1550 ▼ |
| Sep | 4.6300 | 0.1125 ▼ | Aug | 11.7650 | 0.1325 ▼ |
| Dec | 4.8100 | 0.1025 ▼ | Sep | 11.6275 | 0.1250 ▼ |
KANSAS CITY BOARD OF TRADE
Friday
| Wheat | Change | ||||
| Jul | 6.8800 | 0.1725 ▼ | |||
| Sep | 6.9750 | 0.1850 ▼ | |||
| Dec | 7.1125 | 0.1925 ▼ | |||
ESTIMATED DAILY CATTLE SLAUGHTER
| Friday | 100,000 | Thursday |
| Week Ago (est) | 92,000 | Steer & Heifer: 87,000 |
| Year Ago (act) | 104,000 | Cow & Bull: 21,000 |
| Wk To Date (est) | 526,000 | |
| Last Week (est) | 514,000 | |
| Last Year (est) | 564,000 |
Friday, May 15
5 AREA WEEKLY ACCUMULATED WEIGHTED AVG CATTLE PRICE
| As of 10:00 am | Head Count | Avg Weight | Avg Price |
| Live Steer | 30,039 | 1,552 | 262.77 |
| Live Heifer | 13,315 | 1,374 | 262.32 |
| Dressed Steer | 11,825 | 1,018 | 411.07 |
| Dressed Heifer | 3,208 | 893 | 413.42 |
DAILY ESTIMATED CUTOUT VALUES
| 600-900# | Choice | Select | Choice/Select Spread |
| Current Cutout Values: | 389.25 | 389.25 | 0.00 |
| Change from prior day: | +1.80▲ | +0.25▲ |
DAILY CATTLE SLAUGHTER
| Friday | 100,000 | Thursday |
| Week Ago (est) | 92,000 | Steer & Heifer: 87,000 |
| Year Ago (act) | 103,603 | Cow & Bull: 21,000 |
| Wk To Date (est) | 526,000 | |
| Last Week (est) | 514,000 | |
| Last Year (est) | 563,865 |
This week on the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren sits down with John Campbell to break down another volatile week in the cattle markets, what’s driving the massive swings in futures, and why headlines surrounding Brazilian beef imports and JBS continue to rattle producers across the country. John explains how algorithm trading is impacting commodity markets in real time, why producers are getting whiplash from government announcements, and what’s really happening behind the scenes with the current beef import conversations. They also touch on record fed cattle prices, strong feeder calf demand, and ongoing concerns surrounding drought and moisture across cattle country.
Takeaways:
Fed cattle hit an all-time high around $2.65 this week
Feeder cattle markets strengthened significantly late in the week after earlier volatility
Lightweight calves continue to bring extremely strong prices across multiple markets
Futures markets are now heavily influenced by algorithm trading reacting instantly to headlines and news events
Comments surrounding Brazilian beef imports caused major swings in the cattle market over the past week
John believes confusion and mixed messaging from leadership are contributing to producer frustration and market instability
Both Lauren and John expressed concerns over continued beef industry consolidation and foreign influence in the protein supply chain
Consumer beef demand remains strong despite higher retail prices
Tight cattle supplies continue to support the long-term bullish outlook for the industry
John remains optimistic overall about the cattle market fundamentals moving forward
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 🤠
*Do not include personal details like addresses, passwords, financial information or other sensitive data*
Friday, May 15
This fast-paced, 30-minute webinar covers critical updates to Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), how the 2026 changes will impact producers, and how to strengthen your coverage strategy amid drought, natural disasters, and market volatility.
Whether you’re new to LRP, looking to better understand the 2026 updates, or preparing for an agency transfer, now is the time to act.
You’ll learn:
2026 LRP updates, including changes for fed cattle and unborn calves
Clarifications to forage disaster exemptions for extended drought and natural disasters
Options to market cattle earlier under qualifying conditions without losing LRP eligibility
How PRF coverage complements drought-related risk management strategies
Updates to beginning farmer and rancher subsidies tied to recent legislation
Click here to connect with a CattleUSA Insurance representative
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
2”-4” of rain is likely from TX to the Great Lakes & ECB. Some locations may see 4”-8”. All other locations will see 0.50”-2”. Keep in mind May and June are on average the wettest times of year. So, 2”-4” of rain over 2 weeks in the Plains/Midwest is near average in the main belt as average May rainfall is 4”-6”
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!
Screwworm Monitoring Intensifies Near Border
USDA officials say more than 1,800 active New World screwworm cases remain in Mexico, including several near the U.S. border. APHIS continues releasing sterile flies and preparing response plans as officials work to prevent the pest from reaching U.S. livestock operations. read more here
Choice-Select Spread Losing Relevance
Analysts say today’s inverted Choice-Select beef spread reflects shrinking Select supplies more than weakening beef demand. With Prime and branded beef dominating retail shelves, experts argue the industry needs new demand indicators better aligned with modern consumer preferences. read more here
Nebraska Crops Struggle With Drought
Nebraska farmers are battling severe drought, dry soils and uneven crop emergence as planting season advances. Corn and soybean progress remains ahead of average in many areas, but moisture shortages and worsening pasture conditions are raising concerns statewide. read more here
Friday, May 15
| MARKETS | PRICE | CHANGE | PERCENT |
| DOW | 49,526.17 | - 537.29 | 1.07% ▼ |
| S&P 500 | 7,408.50 | - 92.74 | 1.24% ▼ |
| NASDAQ | 26,225.14 | - 410.08 | 1.54% ▼ |
| Russell 2000 | 2,793.30 | - 69.79 | 2.44% ▼ |
| Gold | 4,543.60 | - 18.30 | 0.40% ▼ |
| Silver | 76.30 | - 1.25 | 1.61% ▼ |
| Bitcoin | 79,088.00 | - 1,995.00 | 2.46% ▼ |
| Crude Oil | 105.66 | + 0.24 | 0.23% ▲ |
Farm Economy Faces Growing Stress
Rising costs, weak commodity prices and higher interest rates are pressuring many farms, especially export-driven operations in the South. Economists say today’s conditions echo parts of the 1980s farm crisis, though stronger land values and risk management tools are helping soften the blow. read more here
China Promises More Ag Purchases
U.S. officials say China agreed to buy “double-digit billions” in American agricultural products over the next three years following the recent trade summit. Markets initially reacted negatively due to limited details, though beef export permits and soybean commitments also advanced. read more here
Farmland Development Sparks Rural Debate
Rising demand for data centers, warehouses and energy projects is turning farmland into a valuable target for developers. While multimillion-dollar land sales can transform farm families financially, many rural communities are debating the long-term impact on farmland, infrastructure and local identity. read more here
CattleUSA Daily Podcast:
If you or someone you know would be interested in hopping on the mic to share your story, please contact us at [email protected]. — Video streaming weekdays on YouTube @cattleusatv. Audio available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major streaming platforms.
A new morning to start a new day in a new week full of new possibilities!
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