In my January 2, 2025, Barchart article on the price action in the animal protein sector, I highlighted the 13.71% rally in live cattle futures in 2024 and last year’s 18.32% price increase in the feeder cattle futures. I concluded the quarterly meat report with the following:
The trend is always your best friend in markets, and it has been bullish in live and feeder cattle and lean hog futures since the April 2020 lows. As the animal protein markets move into 2025, prices remain on a bullish path. The peak grilling season begins in May and runs through September when the demand increases, and prices often reach seasonal highs. However, the potential for U.S. tariffs in 2025 could cause the most volatility in beef and pork prices.
