Cattle market fundamentals back in driver's seat to start 2026
- ZISK
- Jan 8
- 1 min read
The end of 2025 brought significant improvement in cattle markets. After falling sharply from mid-October to late November, the last six weeks have been marked by higher prices for both fed cattle and feeder cattle.
As I write this on Jan. 5, 2026, the 5-market weighted average fed steer price has moved back above $230 per cwt. (see chart above). Feeder cattle auction market volumes were very light over the holidays, but January CME feeder cattle futures have gained back over two-thirds of the losses seen from Oct. 16 to Nov. 24 (see chart below). After processing numerous bearish headlines related to imports and plant closures this fall, the fundamentals seem to be back in the driver’s seat, with tight supplies and strong demand supporting cattle prices.
Mississippi State University Extension
January 6, 2026
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