Episodes

  • Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 3-31-2026

    Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 3-31-2026
    Mar 31 2026
    Cattle markets show resilience in lighter weight categories despite broader market pressures, with 500-549 lb steers holding at $460.74/cwt - up from mid-March levels. However, the six-weight category continues its gradual decline from early March highs, now settling at $413.39/cwt. This divergence between weight classes, coupled with futures trailing live cattle prices, signals ongoing market uncertainty as the industry moves into the post-Easter period.In this week's episode of Tuesday Market Update, hosts Brock and Jim provide comprehensive analysis of current cattle market conditions, diving deep into price trends across different weight categories and exploring the factors driving market movements. Their discussion includes detailed price comparisons, volume data, and forward-looking predictions for both light and heavy cattle.The conversation takes a crucial turn toward environmental challenges, with particular focus on the alarming 2.5% increase in drought conditions across the Lower 48 states in just one week. Brock and Jim examine the implications for producers, especially those in the southern plains, and share strategic insights for managing resources during increasingly difficult conditions.The hosts round out the episode with an important discussion of global trade dynamics, analyzing the significant 18% year-over-year increase in beef imports and its impact on domestic markets. This examination includes valuable historical perspective from Jim's decades of experience, helping listeners understand how international market forces continue to shape local pricing and marketing decisions in today's cattle industry.
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    9 mins
  • Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 3-27-2026

    Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 3-27-2026
    Mar 27 2026
    Global beef markets face potential disruption as Australian production heads toward record levels in 2026. With U.S. beef imports already up 18% year-over-year and Australian exports poised to surge, domestic producers are bracing for increased competition. This week's episode of Cattle Market Guys examines how these international developments could impact U.S. cattle prices and what strategies producers should consider.In this comprehensive market review, hosts Brock and Jim analyze current cattle prices across weight ranges, with six-weight steers holding steady at $413.31/cwt and five-weights showing a slight decline to $455.21/cwt. They explore how shrinking show lists and tight packer margins are influencing market dynamics, while cash-fed cattle trade at $235/cwt and choice boxed beef rises to $400.11.The discussion delves into emerging consumer trends, particularly the potential impact of GLP-1 weight-loss medications on beef consumption patterns. Brock and Jim examine how changing dietary habits and the growing importance of supply chain relationships could reshape producer strategies in the months ahead.Drawing from decades of market experience, the hosts provide historical context for today's challenges, comparing current conditions to past market cycles and offering practical insights for producers navigating an increasingly complex global marketplace. Their analysis emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and maintaining a strategic approach to marketing in the face of international competition and evolving consumer preferences.
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    9 mins
  • Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 3-24-2026

    Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 3-24-2026
    Mar 24 2026
    Record-high retail beef prices are testing consumer demand limits, with Choice cuts hitting $10.12/lb and all-fresh beef averaging $9.64/lb in February 2026. These unprecedented price levels raise critical questions about potential demand erosion and protein substitution effects. Market experts Brock Peters and Jim Thompson explore whether these prices are sustainable or if the industry is approaching a tipping point that could trigger a market correction.In this week's market update, Brock and Jim analyze the latest cattle market data, including notable trends in the 600-649 lb steer category, which saw prices climb to $413.31/cwt. The hosts examine current futures contracts and processing margins, providing context for what these indicators suggest about market direction.The episode delivers an in-depth look at processing capacity challenges and their impact on the supply chain, drawing from historical examples to illustrate potential risks. Discussion includes analysis of the March Cattle on Feed report, which shows feedlot inventories at 11.55 million head, representing a slight year-over-year decrease and its implications for future price movements.Brock and Jim conclude with a comprehensive examination of retail beef prices and consumer behavior patterns, sharing insights from past market cycles and identifying key signals that could indicate shifting demand. Their analysis helps producers understand the delicate balance between maintaining strong prices and retaining consumer loyalty in an increasingly competitive protein market.
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    8 mins
  • Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 3-20-2026

    Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 3-20-2026
    Mar 20 2026
    Cattle markets face significant downward pressure as prices for 500-549lb steers drop over $14 in just two weeks, now sitting at $453.46/cwt. This concerning trend is matched by weakening cash trades across the country, with live cattle trading at $235/cwt and dressed cattle at $372/cwt. The market softness heading into spring has producers on edge as multiple factors contribute to the ongoing price decline.In this week's comprehensive market review, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the current state of cattle markets, examining both immediate price pressures and forward projections across weight categories. They dive deep into volume movements, revealing interesting dynamics between lighter and heavier weight cattle, with heavier steers showing potential support despite overall market weakness.The episode takes a serious turn as the hosts discuss an emerging threat to U.S. cattle operations: New World Screwworms. Drawing from historical experience, they outline critical preventative measures producers need to implement immediately, especially in states bordering tropical climates. Jim shares firsthand experience from past screwworm outbreaks, offering valuable insights into effective management strategies.The conversation then shifts to the devastating impact of wildfires and drought conditions in the Western U.S., where over 700,000 acres have burned in Nebraska alone. Brock and Jim examine how these natural disasters compound existing market pressures, forcing difficult decisions about herd management and feeding strategies. The episode concludes with a detailed analysis of market volatility, processor margins, and retail pricing disconnects, offering producers practical guidance for navigating these challenging conditions.
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    10 mins
  • Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 3-17-2026

    Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 3-17-2026
    Mar 17 2026
    Breaking news from the Texas Panhandle as a new respiratory pathogen threatens feedlot operations across the region. This emerging health challenge poses significant risks to cattle performance and profitability, with producers scrambling to update vaccination protocols and management strategies. The timing couldn't be worse, as the industry simultaneously grapples with major processing disruptions, including a worker strike at the crucial JBS Greeley facility.In this packed episode of Cattle Market Guys, hosts Brock and Jim dive deep into three critical issues shaping the cattle markets this week. The discussion begins with a comprehensive market update, revealing a cooling trend in cattle prices across weight classes, with 600-649 pound steers closing at $413.13/cwt, down from previous weeks but with promising four-week forecasts.The conversation then turns to the emerging health crisis in Texas feedlots, drawing on Jim's historical perspective from similar outbreaks in the 1990s. Brock and Jim examine prevention strategies, diagnostic approaches, and the potential economic impact on operations caught unprepared. The hosts emphasize the critical importance of proactive management and updated protocols in managing this new threat.The episode concludes with an analysis of the processing sector's challenges and opportunities, including the ongoing JBS Greeley strike's impact on the supply chain. Despite these hurdles, there's positive news on the export front, with variety meat exports hitting record values exceeding $415 per head of fed slaughter. The hosts explore how these various factors interact to influence market dynamics and what producers should watch for in the coming weeks.
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    10 mins
  • Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 3-13-2026

    Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 3-13-2026
    Mar 13 2026
    Labor tensions mount as JBS's Greeley plant faces potential shutdown next week, with 3,800 union workers voting overwhelmingly to strike. The Colorado facility, one of America's largest beef processors, could create significant market disruption if workers walk out on March 16th. This development comes as cattle futures are already trading lower, suggesting possible market corrections ahead as buyers prepare for reduced processing capacity.In this week's comprehensive market review, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the latest cattle market data showing stability in cash markets but concerning trends in futures. Five-weight steers are holding at $464.88/cwt, while six-weight categories maintain steady volume with over 8,000 head sold. However, futures markets paint a more cautious picture, with prices trending downward across multiple weight classes.The episode delves deep into three major market forces affecting producers: the looming JBS labor strike, international trade disruptions, and market consolidation concerns. Brock and Jim examine how Middle East conflicts and U.S.-Mexico border closures are impacting feed costs and cattle supplies, particularly affecting operations in the Southwest. They also discuss Senator Schumer's new legislation targeting major meatpackers and its potential industry implications.Drawing from historical perspective, the hosts compare current market challenges to past industry events, including the 1986 IBP strike that severely impacted cattle prices and processing capacity. The discussion provides valuable context for producers navigating today's complex market landscape, with particular emphasis on preparing for potential processing disruptions and adapting to evolving industry dynamics.
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    9 mins
  • Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 3-3-2026

    Cattle Market Guys - Tuesday Check In 3-3-2026
    Mar 3 2026
    Cattle markets show signs of stabilization as 500-549 pound steers hold steady at $468.85/cwt, down marginally from last week but maintaining a strong $10 premium over early February prices. Heavy volume movement in 600-649 pound steers signals robust feeder demand, despite growing concerns over global market pressures. With March futures lagging significantly behind cash prices and increased market volatility tied to Middle East tensions, producers face a complex pricing environment.In this week's market update, Brock and Jim analyze the latest cattle price trends and their implications for producers. The episode dives deep into current market dynamics, including reduced slaughter rates, rising transport costs due to oil price concerns, and the delicate balance between supply and demand in the current environment.The hosts explore the growing importance of quality differentiation in beef markets, examining new data that demonstrates strong consumer willingness to pay premiums for superior products. Their discussion highlights how producers can leverage genetic programs and feed strategies to capture these quality-driven price advantages, even in challenging market conditions.The episode concludes with analysis of major industry developments, including JBS's $150 million plant expansion in Cactus, Texas, and Zoetis's acquisition of Neogen's genomics business. Brock and Jim provide historical context for these moves and discuss their potential impact on independent producers, drawing parallels to past industry consolidation events and their lasting effects on the cattle business.
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    9 mins
  • Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 2-27-2026

    Cattle Market Guys - Week Wrap Up 2-27-2026
    Feb 27 2026
    Record-breaking cash cattle prices continue to dominate market headlines as packers bid up to $248 per hundredweight in northern regions. The national five-market average for fed steers has reached an unprecedented $246.91, reflecting extremely tight cattle supplies and robust demand. Market experts Brock and Jim analyze whether these historically high prices represent a temporary peak or signal a sustained period of strong returns for producers.In this week's comprehensive market wrap-up, hosts Brock and Jim examine current cash prices across weight categories, with five-weight steers holding steady at $464.55/cwt and six-weights trading at $422.46/cwt. The duo breaks down how regional supply variations are creating unique market opportunities, particularly in Texas and Kansas where smaller show lists are driving more aggressive packer bidding.The episode delves into the broader supply dynamics affecting the cattle industry, including the impact of border closures on cross-border trade and the projected weekly slaughter numbers reaching 530,000 head. Brock and Jim explore how these factors are influencing regional price differences and what producers should consider when marketing their cattle in different areas.The hosts also discuss findings from the 2025 Cattlemen's Beef Board Impact Report, highlighting how consumer demand remains strong despite elevated prices. The conversation includes historical market perspectives, with Jim sharing valuable insights from past market cycles and explaining why betting against beef has historically proven unwise for producers.
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    10 mins