10/13/2026
U.S. CATTLE REPORT 🔔 Monday's Top 10: Corn Plunges 20.5 Cents, Cattle Futures Rally, Brazilian Beef Imports Surge 524% and Cash Cattle Reach $227
1. Corn Futures Plunge 20.5 Cents Following Bearish USDA Report
December corn futures dropped 20.5 cents Friday to $4.7975 per bushel, the lowest close since August 13. USDA raised projected 2026/27 corn production by 234 million bushels to 16.034 billion and increased ending stocks to 1.849 billion bushels. Lower corn prices could reduce feed costs and improve feedlot margins, providing additional support for feeder cattle demand.
2. National Steer Prices Higher Across All Weight Classes — 5-Weights Dominate Receipts
National steer prices advanced across all six weight classes, led by 6-weights, which jumped $11.92 to $397.10. Five-weight steers gained $9.97 to $447.32 and accounted for 29% of receipts, followed by 6-weights at 17%. Together, these two classes represented 46% of national steer receipts, highlighting strong demand for lighter cattle.
3. Live Cattle Futures Rally for Fourth Straight Session
Live cattle futures closed sharply higher Friday, extending their winning streak to four sessions. October futures jumped $3.10 to $224.975, gaining $6.125 for the week after falling to $217.25 Monday. December climbed $3.50 to $227.05, while February 2027 gained $3.625 to $229.475.
4. Brazilian Beef Exports to U.S. Surge 524% in September
According to The Rio Times, Brazilian beef exports to the United States surged 524% in September to $263.5 million, compared with $42.2 million a year earlier. Shipments reached 44,435 metric tons, up from 7,852 metric tons in September 2025. The sharp increase followed an expansion of U.S. import quotas for lean beef trimmings, raising concerns about additional competition for domestic cow beef.
5. Cash Cattle Trade Reaches $227 Live and $345 Dressed
Central Stockyards' Fed Cattle Exchange reported high-quality black-hided cattle selling for $227 live in Kansas and Texas, while good-quality Texas cattle brought $226. Colorado cattle sold for $224 live, and Iowa commodity cattle brought $343 dressed. USDA reported Nebraska live trade mostly at $222, steady to $2 higher than last week, with dressed sales at $345. Western Cornbelt live cattle traded from $218 to $220.
6. Feeder Cattle Futures Surge — October Gains $9.225 for the Week
October feeder cattle futures jumped $5.825 Friday to $343.85, finishing $9.225 above last Friday's close. November surged $7.075 to $341.95, January 2027 gained $7.925 to $336.35, and March advanced $7.95 to $332.175. The strong finish reinforced bullish momentum in the feeder cattle market.
7. Boxed Beef Prices Decline for Third Straight Day
Choice boxed beef fell $1.50 Friday to $373.35, declining $5.58 over three sessions and finishing $0.84 below last Friday. Select gained $2.57 to $354.30, narrowing the Choice/Select spread to $19.05. The recent weakness in wholesale beef prices raises concerns about packer margins despite historically strong cattle prices.
8. Managed Money Reduces Live Cattle Net Long Position as Open Interest Plunges
Managed money funds trimmed their net long live cattle position by 384 contracts to 50,920 for the week ending October 6, ending two consecutive weeks of increases. More significantly, open interest plunged 35,477 contracts to 387,285, the lowest level since August 11, signaling reduced market participation despite the recent futures recovery.
9. St. Onge Posts Three 7-Weight Steer Sales at $405
St. Onge Livestock in South Dakota dominated Friday's 7-weight steer market, posting the nation's three highest-priced sales at $405.00. The offerings included 81 steers weighing 720 pounds, 79 head weighing 713 pounds and 62 head weighing 715 pounds. St. Onge also sold 109 steers weighing 610 pounds at $438, highlighting aggressive demand for quality calves and yearlings.
10. Severe Storms Threaten Central and Southern Plains Tuesday
Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible Tuesday from Kansas City to Lubbock as a cold front and sharpening dryline move across the Plains. Storms could produce wind gusts reaching 60 mph, hail up to ping-pong-ball size and a low tornado risk. Heavy rainfall could reach 2–3 inches in portions of the region by Wednesday, raising concerns about muddy feedlots, localized flooding and disruptions to livestock transportation.
Central Stockyards St. Onge Livestock & Newell Sheep Yards
