Markets reacted positively to signs of a peace agreement in the Middle East. Oil and grain prices moved lower, while attention is now focused on the normalization of shipping traffic and crude oil flows.
In the cattle market, packers initially bid US$/cwt 254, then raised offers to US$/cwt 255, and eventually purchased cattle at US$/cwt 256. In the North, dressed sales were reported mainly at US$/cwt 405-406, steady to US$/cwt 1 lower than the previous week.
Weekly slaughter totaled 524,000 head, down 9,000 from the prior week and 36,000 below the same period in 2025. According to The AG Center, processors are attempting to reduce production in an effort to support beef prices, at a time when retailers remain reluctant to sell beef at negative margins.
Meanwhile, confirmed New World Screwworm cases rose to 10, although the issue is beginning to take a back seat to logistical and regulatory challenges. Fed cattle supplies remain tight, while lower slaughter weights and a decline in the percentage of cattle grading Choice widened the spread with Select beef, according to The AG Center.
