Cattle Bulls Are Hitting the Gas in 2026: What to Watch, and Why Grains and Hogs Are Down

Group 1: Market Trends - Grain and lean hog futures markets started 2006 with a weaker tone, while live and feeder cattle futures markets showed strong performance [1] - Technical selling pressure was observed in corn and soybean markets, while winter wheat futures bulls attempted to stabilize their markets [2] - March corn futures fell by 12.5 cents last week, and March soybeans experienced a 26.75-cent loss, marking the lowest close since October 16 [3] Group 2: Price Movements - March corn futures are currently in a sideways trading range, drifting towards the lower end defined by a November high of $4.57 and a low of $4.34. Bulls are optimistic about good export demand providing price support [4] - Despite a steady stream of Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans estimated at around 10 million metric tons, soybean futures prices have dropped over $1.00 per bushel since mid-November highs [6] Group 3: External Factors - The detection of New World Screwworm in Mexico has led to a surge in live and feeder cattle futures prices, potentially delaying the opening of the U.S. southern border to feeder cattle imports from Mexico [2] - Growing conditions for South American crops, particularly Brazil's late-planted soybean crop and second-crop corn plantings, are being closely monitored, with no major problems reported so far [5]