Épisodes

  • Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 1-30-2026
    Jan 30 2026
    Market analysts warn of critical supply constraints as the latest Cattle on Feed report reveals a stark 3% drop in on-feed inventory from January 2025, now sitting at 11.45 million head. With placements hitting decade-low levels and limited heifer retention, industry experts Brock and Jim compare current conditions to the transformative market of 1996. The tight supply situation, combined with severe winter weather impacts, has pushed futures higher despite cash market softness.In this week's comprehensive market wrap-up, hosts Brock and Jim analyze three major factors shaping the cattle markets: historically tight supply conditions, international trade dynamics, and the impact of severe winter weather across key cattle regions. The episode breaks down current feeder steer prices, with 500-549 pound cattle trading at $439.98 per hundredweight and 600-649 pound feeders at $390.78, both showing slight declines from previous weeks.The hosts examine how global trade developments are affecting domestic prices, including China's recent suspension of Irish beef imports and its potential implications for U.S. producers. Detailed analysis covers how international market access continues to influence local sale barn prices and overall industry profitability.The discussion concludes with an in-depth look at how current winter weather conditions are disrupting weight gain, feeding schedules, and transportation logistics across major cattle regions. Drawing from decades of experience, Brock and Jim offer practical insights for producers managing through challenging winter conditions while maintaining profitability in a volatile market environment.


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    11 min
  • Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 1-27-2026
    Jan 27 2026
    Winter Storm Chaos Rocks Cattle Markets: Severe arctic blast sweeping across multiple regions is creating major disruptions in cattle transportation and daily operations. Markets are showing classic weather-induced confusion as traders wrestle with both supply constraints and potential demand impacts. CME reports indicate feeder cattle futures climbing on anticipated supply shortages, while earlier analysis warned of reduced beef movement and consumption during extreme weather.In this week's Tuesday Market Update, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the immediate and long-term impacts of the major winter weather system affecting cattle operations from the Plains to the Midwest. The episode breaks down current market numbers, including a slight decline in medium and large-frame steers across multiple weight classes, while examining the volatile futures market response to weather conditions.The discussion expands beyond weather to explore concerning trends in cattle inventory dynamics, with the latest USDA report showing total cattle on feed down 3% year-over-year at 11.5 million head. Brock and Jim examine how reduced calf supplies and limited heifer retention could affect market prices and long-term beef production, drawing on historical parallels from previous market cycles.The hosts conclude with an important segment on animal health management, highlighting new research from the Dairy X Beef Summit about the significant economic impact of pre-weaning health issues. They also discuss Elanco's announcement of new injectable disease prevention products and emphasize the critical importance of proactive health protocols in maintaining profitable operations during challenging market conditions.


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    10 min
  • Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 1-23-2026
    Jan 23 2026
    Breaking News: False screwworm outbreak rumors sent cattle markets into a brief tailspin this week, highlighting how quickly misinformation can impact prices. The USDA quickly stepped in to debunk the claims, confirming no presence of New World Screwworm in Texas or anywhere else in the U.S. This market-moving incident sparked important discussions about industry preparedness and the need for rapid response protocols in the face of disease concerns.In this week's comprehensive market review, Brock and Jim analyze the current state of cattle prices, with five-weight steers holding strong at $442.29 per hundredweight and six-weights maintaining near $400. The hosts explore the disconnect between cash calf markets and more cautious futures prices, offering insights into what this spread might mean for producers.The episode delves into three major market factors affecting cattle producers this week. Beyond the screwworm scare, severe weather conditions across the Midwest and Southern Plains are impacting cattle performance and marketing decisions, with snowfall up to a foot in some regions. The hosts examine how these conditions are affecting prices and offer practical advice for weather-related management decisions.International trade developments round out the discussion, as Brock and Jim analyze China's lifting of the Canadian beef ban, Brazil's export outlook, and delays in the Mercosur-EU trade deal. Their analysis helps producers understand how these global shifts might affect domestic markets and pricing in the months ahead, drawing on historical examples to provide context for today's market dynamics.


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    12 min
  • Cattle Market Guys - 1-20-2026
    Jan 20 2026
    Breaking News: A concerning surge in New World Screwworm cases along the Texas-Mexico border is sending shockwaves through the U.S. cattle markets. With eleven confirmed cases reported since December, including eight new cases in Mexico's Tamaulipas state just last week, biosecurity officials are on high alert. The flesh-eating parasite threat has already impacted futures markets, creating a notable spread between cash and futures prices that has market analysts concerned.In this week's "Cattle Market Guys" mid-week update, hosts Brock and Jim dive deep into the developing screwworm situation and its potential impact on cross-border cattle trade. The episode examines current market conditions, including strong performances in feeder steer prices, with five-weight steers holding at $442.29/cwt and showing nearly a $15/cwt increase over the past month.The discussion expands to cover significant shifts in European livestock production trends, where declining red meat output could create new opportunities for U.S. beef exports. Brock and Jim analyze how these international market dynamics might affect domestic producers and pricing strategies in the coming months.The hosts also explore how global instability and weather challenges are influencing meat markets worldwide. Jim shares valuable historical perspective from his experiences during the devastating drought of 1988, offering insights on market resilience and adaptation during challenging times. The episode concludes with detailed price forecasts for February and strategic considerations for producers navigating current market conditions.


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    11 min
  • Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 1-16-2026
    Jan 16 2026
    Record calf prices and heavy market volume dominate this week's cattle market analysis. With medium and large-frame steers (500-549 lbs) hitting $438.22/cwt, the market shows remarkable strength heading into late January. The USDA's new "Make America More Ground Beef" Program could shake up these dynamics, as dairy producers receive incentives for voluntary culling of older cows.In this packed episode of Cattle Market Guys, Brock and Jim analyze the latest market trends and their implications for producers. The duo examines current price levels across weight classes, with particular attention to the strong showing in 5-weight steers and futures markets. They break down how recent dairy sector initiatives might impact beef supply chains, drawing parallels to historical government interventions in the cattle industry.The conversation shifts to futures market performance, where recent gains have been driven by tighter supply sentiment and falling feed costs. July corn's continued slide has eased projected cost-of-gain calculations, though Friday's profit-taking pulled futures back from multi-month highs. Brock and Jim explore how these market movements might affect producer decisions heading into spring.International trade developments take center stage in the final segment, with U.S. cattle exports to Canada approaching record levels. The hosts examine how China's reopening to Irish beef and potential early implementation of the EU-Mercosur trade deal could reshape global beef markets. Jim shares historical perspective on international trade impacts, while Brock breaks down the implications for domestic producers and packers.


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    12 min
  • Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 1-13-2026
    Jan 13 2026
    Feeder cattle markets are showing remarkable momentum in early 2026, with medium and large frame steers seeing nearly $9-11 jumps per hundredweight in just one week. The surge mirrors patterns last seen in 2011, suggesting a potentially strong start to the year for cattle producers. While futures took a slight breather after reaching October highs, market forecasts remain optimistic through January, pointing to sustained strength in the feeder segment.In this mid-week market update, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the current state of cattle markets, including detailed price movements across weight classes and what recent futures activity means for producers. The discussion covers significant developments in global trade, particularly the new EU-Mercosur agreement and its potential ripple effects on U.S. beef exports.The episode delves into critical feed cost implications following the latest WASDE report, which showed increased corn ending stocks and additional harvested acres. This bearish news for feed costs could provide welcome relief for feeders managing tight margins, though Brock and Jim emphasize the importance of careful risk management in the current environment.Of particular concern is a developing biosecurity situation, with New World screwworm cases reported within 200 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. Drawing from historical experience with similar outbreaks, the hosts provide practical guidance for producers on monitoring and protecting their herds, especially during calving season. The episode concludes with market forecasts and strategic considerations for producers navigating early 2026 market conditions.


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    11 min
  • Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 1-9-2026
    Jan 9 2026

    This week on Cattle Market Guys, Brock and Jim break down the latest feeder cattle prices, futures spreads, and the tight supply fundamentals shaping the early January market. Cash prices continue to outperform futures, lighter-weight calves are forecasted to climb, and packers are facing thin inventories as producers hold firm on bids.


    The guys also dig into Brazil overtaking the U.S. as the world’s top beef producer, what that means for global trade and exports, and how U.S. cattlemen can stay competitive through quality and differentiation. Plus, a look at how AI, precision ag, and new calf health research are reshaping modern cattle operations—from feed efficiency to long-term herd performance.


    Whether you’re in the pickup, the tractor, or the shop, this episode delivers the market insight you need to finish the week strong.

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    11 min
  • Cattle Market Guys - 1-6-2026 Mid Week Check In
    Jan 6 2026
    BREAKING: New World screwworm cases discovered just 197 miles from the US-Mexico border have sent cattle futures soaring and effectively halted live animal trade between the two countries. The latest confirmed case in Tamaulipas, Mexico has triggered immediate biosecurity responses and market uncertainty. With Mexico being a crucial source of lightweight feeder cattle during winter months, the border closure threatens to create significant supply chain disruptions well into spring 2026.In this mid-week market update, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the immediate and long-term implications of the emerging screwworm crisis. They dive deep into current market dynamics, where five-weight steers are trading at $359.37/cwt with futures showing strong bullish sentiment through the next four weeks. The episode explores how this health crisis could further tighten already-constrained cattle supplies and impact spring placements.The hosts examine the recent Tyson Foods price-fixing settlement of $82.5 million and its potential effects on packer-producer relationships. Discussion includes how this legal development might influence bidding strategies and market transparency in the coming months, particularly as packers navigate increased scrutiny.The conversation concludes with a comprehensive look at international markets, highlighting Brazil's record-breaking beef exports exceeding 3.1 million metric tonnes through November. Brock and Jim evaluate how Brazil's aggressive export strategy affects U.S. producers' competitive position in global markets, especially as domestic herd sizes remain contracted. They outline strategies for U.S. producers to differentiate their product through quality assurance and sustainability certification in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.


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    12 min