Friday brought another active round of negotiations in the US fed cattle market. Initial bids of US$/cwt 254 gradually improved throughout the day, eventually reaching US$/cwt 260, according to The AG Center.
Weekly slaughter totaled 526,000 head, about 2,000 more than the previous week but still 32,000 below the same period in 2025. According to market analysts, packers continue to limit slaughter volumes in an effort to support beef prices. At the same time, beef imports are increasing to help meet hamburger demand ahead of the July 4 holiday.
Fed cattle supplies remain tight, allowing producers to maintain bargaining power as the industry moves gradually toward herd rebuilding. Meanwhile, slaughter weights continue to trend lower, while the price spread between Choice and Select beef keeps widening.
