Livestock Market Technical Update: Cattle and Hogs Face Pressure to End the Week
We end the week taking a closer look at the technical side of the livestock markets, where volatility has dominated trading since midweek. Both live cattle and feeder cattle futures slipped to their lowest levels in several months, while lean hogs continued a multi-week downtrend amid broader market pressure.
February live cattle futures reached their lowest level since July 18, as traders weighed tight cattle supplies against market concerns surrounding increased cattle imports and the ongoing record-long government shutdown. Those factors, along with seasonal demand shifts, have contributed to unease among both consumers and packers ahead of the holiday season.
“Looking at live cattle futures February reaching the lowest level since July 18. Cattle numbers are still tight but talk of cattle imports and record-long government shutdown have many consumers scrambling to recover, especially with the holidays coming.”
Analysts now look for technical support in the $210–$212 range, a level that could stabilize prices if buyer interest returns next week.
January feeder cattle also ended the week lower, marking the lowest close since August 1. Analysts note that the $290 level from early July could serve as the next key area of support if selling pressure continues.
“January feeder cattle in the week the lowest there since August 1, 290 from early July could be the next support.”
Adding further weight to livestock markets, the U.S. dollar reached a five-month high, making American meat exports less competitive globally and pressuring prices across the board.
“The dollar at five-month highs certainly not helping.”
Meanwhile, lean hogs have spent the last five weeks in a steady downtrend, testing the patience of traders. Technical charts suggest that the $78.10 level or below could bring in new buyers seeking value opportunities.
“Lean hogs now spent the last five weeks in a general downtrend 78-10 or below should see buyers stepping in.”
This volatility underscores the importance of technical awareness for producers and traders alike as they plan ahead for 2026.
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With year-end positioning underway and macroeconomic uncertainty still in play, support levels in live cattle, feeder cattle, and lean hogs will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.