Livestock Marketing Information Center
In The Cattle Markets
Updated: 10/13/2025
Public Data & Information – Sometimes We Never Realize Value Until Something Is Gone
The calendar year of 2025 continues to evolve as a memorable one for cattle producers. Markets continue to reflect supportive demand and supply fundamentals that have underpinned cattle price levels many deemed unreachable just months ago. While indeed market fundamentals largely remain supportive, it is important to note how and why we can come to that conclusion. Alas market data and information are critical to modern agricultural industry functions – you can’t manage (or assess) what you don’t measure. At the time of this writing, we remain in a federal government shutdown leading to this article’s focus on market data and information.
Livestock Monitor
Updated: 10/24/2025
HOG AND PORK PRICE UPDATE
Moving into the fourth quarter, hog and pork prices continue to track above year-ago levels. The early weaned (10-12 lbs.) feeder pig price was $64.68 per head last week, up +40% ($18.54 per head) from the same week last year. Prices dipped to $44.41 per head in early April; since that week, the early weaned feeder pig price has increased +46% ($20.27 per head). Prices for 40-pound feeder pigs have been above year-ago levels since about May. Last week’s 40-pound feeder pig price was $80.27 per head, up +30% ($18.66 per head) from the previous year.
CATTLE ON FEED “PRE”-REPORT ESTIMATES
Today, we were supposed to receive the October 1 numbers for Cattle on Feed from USDA-NASS. However, as the government shutdown persists, the report is unlikely to be released, at least anytime soon. As a proxy, pre-report estimates for Cattle on Feed are available. Although, the following discussed estimates should be taken with a grain of salt given they are not the official USDA-reported values.
CHICKEN PRICES STRUGGLE AS DEMAND WANES AND PRODUCTION POPS UP
Chicken parts and meat prices have dropped significantly since Labor Day, with the declines since the last week in September being surprisingly pronounced. Breast meat prices averaged about $1.80 per pound during Labor Day week but finished the month around $1.25. Summer quarter breast meat prices averaged $1.81 per pound compared to $1.85 a year earlier with production for the quarter being up about +2%. .
Livestock Monitor (pdf)