Episodes

  • 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.
    Show more Show less
    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.
    Show more Show less
    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.
    Show more Show less
    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.
    Show more Show less
    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.
    Show more Show less
    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.
    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Cattle Market Tuesday Update 2-24-2026

    Cattle Market Tuesday Update 2-24-2026
    Feb 24 2026
    Breaking cattle market update: Small price shifts signal potential softening ahead, with 500-549 weight steers dropping slightly to $464.55/cwt and 600-649 weight steers settling at $422.46/cwt. While domestic demand remains strong, with live cattle prices hitting $247-250 in recent trades, international challenges persist. The China export situation continues to create headwinds for the broader market, even as domestic prices show resilience.In this week's episode of Cattle Market Guys, market analysts Brock and Jim break down the latest price movements across weight classes and explore what these subtle shifts mean for producers. The discussion covers current market dynamics, including robust domestic demand contrasting with lagging export numbers, particularly in the crucial Chinese market.The conversation delves into broader industry trends, examining the slowdown in ruminant protein production compared to poultry and aquaculture sectors. Brock and Jim explore how elevated feed costs and labor challenges are impacting producer decisions, while discussing strategies for maintaining profitability in an increasingly competitive protein market.The episode concludes with an in-depth look at value differentiation in the beef industry, including new developments in shelf-life extension through Vitamin E supplementation. The hosts examine how these innovations, combined with evolving consumer preferences, are reshaping the industry's approach to quality and marketing. Jim shares valuable historical perspective on how similar innovations have transformed cattle marketing over the decades.
    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Untitled Episode

    Untitled Episode
    Feb 20 2026
    Breaking cattle market news: Heavy-weight steers are dominating sales volume, with 12,000 head of 600-649 lb cattle moving this week compared to just 5,500 head in lighter weight classes. This significant volume disparity signals strong buyer preference for heavier cattle, potentially influencing producer marketing strategies. Meanwhile, processor margins face mounting pressure as base prices hit concerning lows of $249 per head.In this week's comprehensive market wrap-up, hosts Brock and Jim analyze the striking differences in cattle movement across weight classes, with steers in the 500-549 lb range trading at $460.88/cwt while 600-649 lb cattle hold steady at $417.43/cwt. They explore the implications of these price spreads and volume disparities for producers making marketing decisions in today's challenging environment.The conversation delves into broader industry challenges, including processor margin pressures and ongoing debates about alternative proteins. Drawing from historical market experiences, the hosts examine how current conditions compare to past market cycles and discuss strategies for weathering tight margins. Special attention is paid to the beef cow herd's one percent year-over-year decline and its implications for long-term industry dynamics.The episode concludes with an in-depth look at international trade developments, highlighting new opportunities in Colombian markets and examining concerns about Argentine beef imports. Brock and Jim share insights on how producers can position themselves to benefit from evolving global market conditions while maintaining focus on operational efficiency and quality production standards. Their discussion emphasizes the enduring value of premium U.S. beef in international markets despite changing industry landscapes.
    Show more Show less
    9 mins