Livestock Markets Show Mixed Trading Before USDA Cattle Report

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 4:46 PM

Cattle trading showed varied results at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as investors await Friday's federal cattle report. Live cattle prices dropped slightly while feeder cattle also declined in Thursday's session.

Livestock markets displayed uneven performance Thursday at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange as traders anticipated direct sales activity and prepared for the upcoming USDA On Feed report scheduled for Friday release.

Live cattle contracts experienced modest declines, with April delivery settling 27 cents lower to reach $242.52 per hundredweight. June live cattle contracts also dropped, falling 2 cents to close at $238.42.

Feeder cattle markets similarly moved downward during the session. March feeder cattle contracts decreased by 40 cents, finishing at $370.57, while April feeder cattle also posted losses in Thursday’s trading.

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