DTN Cattle Analysis and Recommendations

11/13/2025

Note: Futures and options are typically not good hedging tools for the cattle market. For hedging purposes in your state, check Livestock Risk Protection coverage and quotes at https://public.rma.usda.gov/livestockreports/LRPReport.aspx.

**Note To Readers**

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, updated Commitments of Traders data will not be included in DTN’s weekly Six Factors Strategy update until the CFTC report resumes its normal Friday afternoon publication. Thank you for your understanding.

POSITIONS

2022: Sold short December cattle on Sept. 26, 2022, for 25% of November/December marketings. Dec cattle were at $146.80 at the time of the recommendation.

CURRENT ASSESSMENT

It was another glum and disappointing week for the live cattle complex as the market was pushed lower by fear and skepticism. Unfortunately, this moved the spot December contract well below the market’s 100-day moving average. Throughout the week the cash cattle market saw mixed trade as Southern live cattle sold at $232, which is $4.00 lower than last week’s weighted average, but Northern dressed cattle traded at $360, which is $2.00 higher than last week’s weighted average. December live cattle are a Type 4, somewhat bearish market.

DAILY NOTE

December live cattle closed $6.27 lower at $219.00 as traders were displeased to see the decline in fed cash cattle prices. So far this week, Southern live cattle are being traded at $282, which is $3.00 lower than last week’s weighted average, and some light trade has developed in the North at $351 (but not enough cattle have traded in that region to say that an accurate trend has been established). Thursday’s slaughter is estimated at 120,000 head — 8,000 head more than a week ago and 4,000 head less than a year ago. 

RECOMMENDATIONS*

There have been no hedge recommendations yet in 2025 and none are expected anytime soon, as long as cattle supplies remain tight.

*DTN recommendations are general in nature and are not intended to be specific for any particular person or farming business. The buying and selling of futures or options involves substantial risk and is not suitable for everyone. DTN accepts no responsibility for actual trades made.