Cattle Futures Slide on Monday

Live cattle and feeder cattle contracts see significant declines across the board.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Live cattle futures saw losses of $1.60 to $2.75 per contract on Monday, while feeder cattle futures posted declines of $3 to $3.75. Cash trade was limited, with some northern cattle trading at $246-249 and some southern trade up to $249. The weekly OKC feeder cattle auction saw steady to $3 higher prices on feeders and $5 higher on steers, with heifers up $25.

Why it matters

Cattle futures and cash prices are closely watched as indicators of supply and demand dynamics in the beef industry. Significant price movements can impact ranchers, feedlots, meat processors, and ultimately consumers.

The details

The USDA's Cattle on Feed report on Friday showed 1.736 million head of cattle placed in feedlots during January, down 4.72% from a year ago and below estimates. Marketings in January were down 13% at 1.626 million head. Wholesale boxed beef prices were higher, with the Choice/Select spread widening to $4.91. USDA estimated Monday's federally inspected cattle slaughter at 106,000 head, 19,000 head above last week and 9,370 head larger than the same week last year.

  • Live cattle futures closed lower on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • The USDA Cattle on Feed report was released on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • The weekly OKC feeder cattle auction was held on February 20, 2026.

The players

USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture, the federal agency responsible for developing and executing policies related to agriculture, food, natural resources, and related issues.

CME Group

The world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, offering futures and options on futures contracts for agricultural commodities, including live cattle and feeder cattle.

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The takeaway

The decline in cattle futures and mixed cash market signals suggest some softening in beef demand or supply dynamics, which could impact ranchers, feedlots, and consumers in the coming months. Industry participants will closely monitor upcoming reports and market movements to assess the state of the cattle industry.