Last week, fed cattle traded at $234 to $235 per hundredweight on the negotiated cash market in the North-a $4 to $5 increase from the previous week. On a dressed basis, trade reached $362/cwt, up $2. The Southern market saw insufficient volume to establish prices.

Meanwhile, the boxed beef market remained relatively steady. The weekly average for Choice cuts closed at $365.23/cwt, reflecting a slight 0.5% decline.

Feeder cattle futures led the charge, breaking out of a multi-week consolidation pattern. Prices surged $18.33 to $23.15/cwt higher, with deferred contracts seeing the strongest gains. Live cattle futures followed suit, closing $7.45 to $10.33/cwt higher, also driven by longer-term contracts.

These record futures prices are supported by hot cash feeder markets and a continued tightening of market-ready fed cattle supplies, particularly in the South. Analysts estimated last week's total slaughter at 547,000 head, down 15,000 from the week prior and 38,000 year-over-year, reinforcing the narrative of constrained supply.

"With boxed beef poised to strengthen into the holiday demand window and supply fundamentals favoring producers, there's strong momentum behind these price moves," said Trey Freeman, Livestock Advisor at Ever.Ag.

Still, the rally faces headwinds from broader market volatility, particularly surrounding renewed trade tensions with China. President Trump's latest threats of increased tariffs have caused a stir in equities, injecting uncertainty into all ag sectors. While beef remains somewhat insulated, the knock-on effects from outside markets could temper enthusiasm.

For now, however, the cattle market outlook remains bullish, particularly for producers holding feeder cattle. With strong futures signals, tight supply, and steady beef demand, upward price pressure is likely to persist, barring external shocks.

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Cattle Prices Climb: Fed Cattle Hits $235, Feeder Futures Break Records!

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Fed cattle prices jump as feeder futures surge into record highs But trade tensions with China threaten market stability. Get the latest livestock insights! #LivestockMarkets #FedCattle #AgPrices #BeefNews #USAg

Let me know if you'd like a chart on futures movement or a companion piece focused on export impacts from the China trade escalation.

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