Understanding Live cattle prices
Raw materials and production
Cattle production involves breeding, raising and feeding animals before processing. Feeder cattle, live cattle and beef are distinct stages in the chain. Animal weight, condition and management influence output and the costs faced by producers.
Applications and consumption
Beef consumption in households, restaurants and food manufacturing drives demand through the cattle supply chain. Feedlot operators buy feeder animals, while processors purchase finished cattle. These buyers face different costs and do not trade the same physical product.
What affects Live cattle prices?
Feed-grain costs, herd size, weather, processing capacity and beef demand influence cattle markets. Biological production cycles limit rapid supply changes. Live-animal futures and monthly beef averages measure different transactions, so weights, grades and product forms need careful comparison.
How to read Live cattle price today
This page follows Live cattle in CME. The price type is Futures contract, with values expressed in US cent/pound. Compare quotations only after matching the product specification, unit, market and publication period. Changes in the chart describe the recorded series; they do not measure every transaction in the wider market. A local purchase may include freight, processing, taxes or dealer margins. Differences in quality or delivery conditions can therefore produce a different final cost even when the reference price is unchanged.
The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
Further reading: FAO — commodity markets and trade ↗
Frequently asked questions about Live cattle
What is Live cattle price today?
The latest available value is 228.35 US cent/pound, for 10/16/2026. It represents Futures contract. Check the displayed period and market before treating it as a quotation for a purchase today. The latest dated observation is the reference available on this page. Trading holidays or publication delays can leave the displayed date earlier than today; this is not a live tick feed.
What affects Live cattle prices?
Feed-grain costs, herd size, weather, processing capacity and beef demand influence cattle markets. Biological production cycles limit rapid supply changes. Live-animal futures and monthly beef averages measure different transactions, so weights, grades and product forms need careful comparison.
What is Live cattle used for in everyday life and industry?
Beef consumption in households, restaurants and food manufacturing drives demand through the cattle supply chain. Feedlot operators buy feeder animals, while processors purchase finished cattle. These buyers face different costs and do not trade the same physical product.
Why can local Live cattle prices differ from this chart?
Local offers may include delivery, processing, taxes and commercial margins. Differences in quality, product form, market and contract timing can also change the price. Compare the same specification and unit before drawing conclusions.
Where can I compare historical Live cattle prices?
Use the price chart and dated history table on this page, or download the CSV. Choose a period and keep the market, product and units consistent. Missing publication dates are not filled with invented observations.