ShayLe Stewart

Last week, the cattle complex performed nearly flawlessly as fed cash cattle prices reached all-time highs, feeder cattle prices were higher, and the futures contracts ran to new contract highs.

With turnout season nearing, prices at feeder cattle sales have been sharply higher in the countryside over the last two weeks.

Beef demand may be exceptional and could even increase seasonally through the Memorial Day weekend, but it's going to take a lot of market support for traders to remain steadfast and focused amid any more trade chatter that...

The wide range of estimates for March placements in Thursday's April 1 USDA Cattle on Feed report could raise some concern in the markets, according to DTN Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart.

Whether it's because of tariff concerns, consumers wanting to tighten their spending budgets, or simply because Easter isn't a major beef dish holiday, pinpointing the exact reason why boxed beef prices were pressured last week...

Most market moves are overdone because of emotional knee-jerk reactions in the market and we never help our own operation or our own bottom-line by making similar emotional decisions. When the market seems to be moving too...

During the last two weeks, packers have been able to buy around 141,000 head of cattle and commit them to the nearby delivery, which could mean that cash prices may trade steady to somewhat lower this upcoming week.

The cattle complex's fundamental and technical positions continue to pull the market in opposite directions as springtime demand ramps up. However, traders question the market's technical ability to trade much higher.

Although I believe the cattle market's long-term trajectory is bullish, I'm led to believe this upcoming week could present some challenges.

Pre-report estimates that came in sharply lower than a year ago are pointing toward a bullish March 1 USDA Cattle on Feed report on Friday.

With boxed beef prices trading higher, the cash cattle market was able to trade $5 to $9 higher last week. Traders are fully supportive of the board, and it seems as though the live cattle complex may be ready to charge into its...

Beef demand has improved over the course of the last two weeks as consumers anxiously anticipate spring and prime grilling weather. Monitoring consumer demand could help market participants better understand the direction the...

If beef demand and fed cash cattle prices continue to find consistent support, there's a good chance that the market may have changed its direction last week and could be headed towards a rally in the second quarter.

As traders, cattlemen and everyone in between head into this week's market, we expect pressure to again be the theme early in the week. Unfortunately, it could remain the market's tone until seasonal boxed beef demand perks up.

Both the live cattle and feeder cattle markets have been able to trade higher in recent days, seeming to confirm that the traders are willing to turn the contracts higher if support remains sufficient.

Cattle futures have been under stiff pressure the last month, but is there a possibility last Friday's Cattle on Feed report could help turn the market higher?

Friday's Feb. 1 USDA Cattle on Feed report will likely be seen as bearish given that placements are expected to be greater than a year ago, according to DTN Livestock Analyst ShayLe Stewart.

Seeing the markets plummet well over $10 in a matter of 10 short days makes us wish we had a crystal ball to guide us and offer some peace of mind about the cattle market. Now's the time to set targets and create an action plan.

Without the rallying nature of the cash cattle complex to help traders along, how much upward potential does the futures complex possess for the near term?

News travels fast and people react most of the time in a negative way. Will the cattle complex again find its footing?