DTN Cattle Analysis and Recommendations

10/14/2025

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 a prosperous week for the live cattle complex as support was plentiful given the fact that boxed beef prices traded mostly higher, the futures complex closed higher all five days this week and although the South has yet to trade any cattle, the small sampling that has traded in the North was marked at $362, which is $2.00 higher than last week’s weighted average. December live cattle is a Type 2 — somewhat bullish market.

DAILY NOTE

December live cattle closed $1.75 higher at $246.50 as traders continue to be optimistic about the bullish trajectory of the market’s long-term position. Still no cash cattle trade has developed but asking prices are noted at $240 plus in the South and are still unestablished in the North. Tuesday’s slaughter is estimated at 120,000 head — 4,000 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.