Feeder Cattle Futures Rallied $19.27 in March on Firm Cash. 3/31/26

Why It Matters

The rally signals strong demand and tight supply in U.S. cattle, potentially boosting margins for producers and attracting speculative capital to livestock futures.

Key Takeaways

• Feeder cattle futures jumped $19.27 in March, ending strong.
• June live cattle futures rose $3.70, closing at 24,327.
• Wholesale box beef prices firm, choice cuts up $2.34.
• Daily slaughter hit 109,000 head, up 4,000 week‑over‑week.
• Analysts cite resilient fundamentals despite broader market volatility.

Summary

Cattle markets closed March on a high note as feeder cattle futures surged $19.27, marking the strongest monthly gain in the quarter.

June live cattle contracts climbed $3.70 to 24,327, while May feeder cattle rose 5.15% to 36,647. Meanwhile, the most‑traded June lean‑cattle contract slipped 82 cents, ending at 10,505.

The wholesale box‑beef report showed firm pricing, with choice cuts up $2.34 to 39,644 and select cuts gaining $378 to 39,479. Daily slaughter hit 109,000 head, 4,000 above the prior week and 6,000 more than a year ago.

Analysts attribute the rally to solid underlying fundamentals, suggesting the cattle complex can withstand broader market turbulence and may present buying opportunities for investors and producers alike.

Original Description

Cattle futures saw significant strength to close the month and quarter, with June Live Cattle futures gaining $14.12 for the month and May Feeder Cattle futures surging $19.27. Meanwhile, Lean Hog futures traded with a softer tone, as the June contract shed $4.50 over the same period.

In the cash market, wholesale boxed beef prices remained firm, with choice cuts rising $2.34 and select cuts adding $3.78. Monday's daily slaughter was reported at 109,000 head, outpacing the previous week by 4,000 and last year's figures by 6,000. Despite volatility in outside markets, Live Cattle CVOL and Feeder Cattle CVOL slid slightly, highlighting the resilience and strong underlying fundamental backdrop of the cattle complex.

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