AGAGIntel
Livestock

Livestock complex read

Feeder, live, cow-calf, hog, and dairy segments with lender and producer framing.

Snapshot
2026-04-04

Feeder cattle (national)

feeder

CME / USDA AMS . 2026-04-04
higher
Basis note

Basis firm across major auction regions.

Lender read

Collateral values constructive on feeder inventories.

Producer read

Replacement cost elevated; retained-heifer economics tight.

Live cattle

live

CME / USDA AMS . 2026-04-04
sideways
Basis note

Cash trade firm; packer spreads compressed.

Lender read

Feedyard working capital needs elevated.

Producer read

Breakeven discipline critical at current placement costs.

Cow-calf economics

cow calf

USDA ERS / state extension . 2026-04-04
higher
Basis note

Regional variance tied to forage conditions.

Lender read

Producer-level margins strongest in 5+ years in many regions.

Producer read

Herd rebuild economics favorable where forage permits.

Lean hog complex

hog

CME / USDA AMS . 2026-04-04
lower
Basis note

Cutout drifting on seasonal supply build.

Lender read

Integrator portfolios watching Q2 pricing.

Producer read

Hedging discipline warranted into spring.

Dairy complex

dairy

USDA AMS . 2026-04-04
sideways
Basis note

Class III range-bound; cheese demand mixed.

Lender read

Producer margin meter constructive but not expansive.

Producer read

Feed cost decline supportive; milk price the key variable.