Cattle Markets Crash Ahead of Cattle on Feed Report

Futures markets see bearish technical signals before key USDA data release

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An abstract illustration using bold geometric shapes in primary colors to conceptually represent the volatility and uncertainty in cattle futures trading.Volatile swings in cattle futures markets expose the industry's sensitivity to policy changes and technical trading signals.Texas City Today

Cattle futures markets saw a sharp sell-off on Friday, with Live Cattle and Feeder Cattle futures both plunging ahead of the release of the monthly Cattle on Feed report from the USDA. The markets had rallied to new all-time highs earlier in the week, but technical signals like a 'Tweezer Top' formation and 'Bearish Engulfing' candlestick patterns triggered a wave of selling pressure.

Why it matters

The cattle industry has faced ongoing challenges with the Mexican border remaining closed, limiting the flow of Mexican cattle into the U.S. market. There are concerns that any announcement of the border reopening, even in a limited capacity, could further pressure cattle prices in the near-term as the industry adjusts.

The details

Cattle futures started the week strong, with the June Live Cattle contract reaching a new all-time high of $252.00 on Tuesday. However, the market was unable to sustain those gains, forming a 'Tweezer Top' pattern and 'Bearish Engulfing' candlestick on Thursday. This technical weakness triggered a sharp sell-off on Friday, with Live Cattle falling to $243.025 and Feeder Cattle reaching the daily limit low of $357.85 before recovering some of those losses.

  • On Tuesday, the June Live Cattle contract reached a new all-time high of $252.00.
  • On Thursday, a 'Tweezer Top' pattern and 'Bearish Engulfing' candlestick formed, signaling technical weakness.
  • On Friday, Live Cattle fell to $243.025 and Feeder Cattle reached the daily limit low of $357.85 before recovering.

The players

Ben DiCostanzo

A senior livestock analyst at Walsh Trading, Inc. who provides market commentary and analysis.

Secretary Rollins

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture who has discussed the potential for a limited reopening of the Mexican border to cattle imports.

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What they’re saying

“She has stated the opening likely will occur in Arizona which is the furthest from the nearest screwworm appearance. She has stated this... She also said it would be a limited open and only a trickle of cattle coming in.”

— Ben DiCostanzo, Senior Livestock Analyst

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.