Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What a week. For this episode of the Beef Market Update, Shaun Haney and Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange dive into major shifts across the North American beef sector, starting with significant operational adjustments from major packers.
Tyson announced plans to transition one facility into a packaging plant, sell its Pasco, Washington location, and close slaughter operations in Illinois. Combined with JBS moving its Pennsylvania facility to case-ready production while ending slaughter, and ongoing labour discussions at Cargill's Fort Morgan plant, processing capacity continues to shrink. While these packing plant decisions stem from tight cattle supplies and negative margins—with packers losing anywhere from $50 to $300 per head—the reduction in slaughter capacity inevitably shifts leverage away from cattle producers after a period of strong pricing.
The market impact is already showing in cash and futures markets. In the U.S., cash cattle traded $5 to $7 lower in the north at $228 to $230 live, with dressed trade dropping $8 to $18 to $362 delivered. Reduced kill rates did offer wholesale support, pushing the Choice cutout up $12 to $375.90, maintaining a broad $27 premium over Select. Meanwhile, the Alberta market caught a bid at $530 delivered dressed, holding steady with late-week top prices. However, these lower cash market values mean cattle feeders are now transitioning into a loss position as well.
On the trade front, Statistics Canada data highlights solid export performance. Canadian beef export volumes rose 3% in June and sit 5% higher year-to-date, with total export value climbing 14%. Strong buying from Mexico and expanded movements into Asia helped offset a pullback in shipments to Japan, where a weak yen continues to weigh on import demand. On the supply side, US feeder cattle imports into Western Canada remain robust, reaching 177,000 head on a net basis through mid-year—a 68% surge compared to last year's pace.
Website: realagriculture.com
#beef #agriculture #cattle
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What a week. For this episode of the Beef Market Update, Shaun Haney and Anne Wasko of the Gateway Livestock Exchange dive into major shifts across the North American beef sector, starting with significant operational adjustments from major packers.
Tyson announced plans to transition one facility into a packaging plant, sell its Pasco, Washington location, and close slaughter operations in Illinois. Combined with JBS moving its Pennsylvania facility to case-ready production while ending slaughter, and ongoing labour discussions at Cargill's Fort Morgan plant, processing capacity continues to shrink. While these packing plant decisions stem from tight cattle supplies and negative margins—with packers losing anywhere from $50 to $300 per head—the reduction in slaughter capacity inevitably shifts leverage away from cattle producers after a period of strong pricing.
The market impact is already showing in cash and futures markets. In the U.S., cash cattle traded $5 to $7 lower in the north at $228 to $230 live, with dressed trade dropping $8 to $18 to $362 delivered. Reduced kill rates did offer wholesale support, pushing the Choice cutout up $12 to $375.90, maintaining a broad $27 premium over Select. Meanwhile, the Alberta market caught a bid at $530 delivered dressed, holding steady with late-week top prices. However, these lower cash market values mean cattle feeders are now transitioning into a loss position as well.
On the trade front, Statistics Canada data highlights solid export performance. Canadian beef export volumes rose 3% in June and sit 5% higher year-to-date, with total export value climbing 14%. Strong buying from Mexico and expanded movements into Asia helped offset a pullback in shipments to Japan, where a weak yen continues to weigh on import demand. On the supply side, US feeder cattle imports into Western Canada remain robust, reaching 177,000 head on a net basis through mid-year—a 68% surge compared to last year's pace.
Website: realagriculture.com
#beef #agriculture #cattle
Find us on our other social media platforms:
X/Twitter: twitter.com/realagriculture
Instagram: instagram.com/realagriculture
Facebook: facebook.com/realagmedia
