Cattle Markets Hit Multi-Month Lows Heading Into Thanksgiving Break
As markets pause for the Thanksgiving holiday, cattle producers may welcome the brief break after another tough week in the livestock sector. With markets closed Thursday and only light trading expected Friday, both live cattle and feeder cattle futures are entering the holiday near significant lows.
February Live Cattle at Five-Month Lows
February live cattle futures have fallen to five-month lows, and analysts warn they could soon reach seven-month lows if prices test the 192 level—territory last seen in early April.
To put the momentum shift into perspective:
- The one-year low stands at 186.22.
- Analysts note it took 14 months for the market to climb from the lows of August 2024 to the record highs reached this past October.
- Yet it has taken less than two weeks for the market to retreat sharply to current levels, raising concerns that the selloff could continue.
January Feeder Cattle Near One-Year Lows
January feeder cattle futures are also under considerable pressure:
- Prices have fallen to four-month lows.
- The contract has dropped nearly $80 in just one month, a steep decline that has caught many in the industry off guard.
- The one-year low of 256 is now within sight as bearish momentum intensifies.
Selloff Could Continue After the Holiday
Although the Thanksgiving break may temporarily quiet trading activity, analysts suggest the broader trend remains negative. Seasonal factors, volatile feed costs, and uncertain economic conditions have all contributed to heightened pressure across the cattle markets.
Producers will be watching closely next week to see whether bargain buying emerges—or whether the downturn accelerates as December approaches.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.