US fed cattle prices posted a sharp correction last week as lower futures and weaker boxed beef values pressured the cash market. Live cattle traded at US$/cwt 248 across all major regions, down US$/cwt 7 from the previous week, while dressed cattle sold at US$/cwt 393, a decline of US$/cwt 10. Although processors improved slaughter margins through lower cattle purchase costs, retail beef demand remained soft for most of the week, according to The AG Center report.
Weekly cattle slaughter was estimated at 529,000 head, up 71,000 head from the holiday-shortened previous week but still 43,000 head below the same week last year. While retailers showed renewed interest in boxed beef on Friday, cutout values fell below year-ago levels for the first time in 2026. Despite the recent decline in cash prices, fed cattle supplies remain tight, although some producers with hedged positions may take advantage of the still favorable cash basis.
