CLARA LIVE:   🔥 📈  From Calves to 10-Weights, July Sets an Unmatched Pace in Cattle Market History 🐂🔥

The past two weeks have unquestionably been the strongest in feeder cattle market history. The sale at Bassett on Wednesday, July 9th, seemed to launch the market into overdrive—it was a whole new level of strength. Records were set and reset multiple times across nearly all weight classes, especially among the 8-, 9-, and 10-weight cattle. It now feels like the feeder market has shifted up 100 pounds, with 8-weights trading like 7-weights and 9-weights like 8s.

A staggering 27 national records were broken this week alone, on top of all the records set just last week. That includes new all-time number ones for the 6-, 8-, and 9-weight categories. These prices are so high, it's hard to imagine they’re sustainable long-term. On the other hand, with so many cattle brought to market recently to take advantage of these prices, it makes you wonder just how tight supplies might get through the rest of the summer.

Since July 9th, the feeder cattle market has entered historic territory, setting all-time record weighted average prices across every major weight class from 400 to 1,099 lbs. The surge began with lighter calves, as the 500–599 and 600–699 lb categories broke records on July 9, followed by the 400–499 lb group hitting a jaw-dropping $448.86 on July 10—the highest average ever recorded for any weight class. Momentum didn’t stop there. Beginning July 15, a second wave of records emerged, this time among the heavier feeders. New all-time highs were set for the 700–799, 800–899, 900–999, and 1,000–1,099 lb groups, with standout benchmarks including $343.45 for 7-weights and $322.29 for 8-weights. 

Friday was the first day that truly felt like summer—receipts were down dramatically, and not a single sale barn reported 1,000 head.  Friday’s cattle auction volume slowed down dramatically with total receipts down 45% compared to the previous Friday. The largest sale of the day came from Bluegrass Richmond in Richmond, KY, with 942 head, followed closely by Tri-State in Abingdon, VA, with 941 head. Mankato, KS reported 778 head, while Manhattan, KS moved 659 head. The smallest of the top five was Turlock, CA, with 494 head. 

On Friday August CME Feeder Cattle futures closed at $324.00 down $1.00 while the RTI 7-day Feeder Index settled at $325.38 up $0.32 The National Steer Price climbed to $334.35 up $4.10 creating a strong basis over both the futures and index prices indicating continued strength in the cash market despite a softer futures close.

  • 🐄 CME Feeder Cattle (AUG):  $324.00  (-1.00) 
  • 📊 RTI Feeder Index (7-Day):  $325.38  (+0.32)  
  • 🏆 National Steer Price:  $334.35   (+4.10)

🚨 July 2025: The Month 8-Weight Records Were Rewritten 🐂📈

It’s been a record-shattering run for 8-weight feeder cattle, with this week adding to an already historic July. Of the top 10 highest prices ever paid nationally for 8-weights, 9 have now been set in July 2025. The list continues to climb, led by standout sales from markets like Decorah, Stockmens, Huss, and Bassett. This kind of momentum is virtually unprecedented—highlighting just how aggressive buyers have become in securing quality feeders, even at price levels once thought unsustainable. July 2025 is quickly going down as the most explosive month in 8-weight feeder cattle history.


Rob Cook, NationalBeefWire.com