April 6, 2026
Missouri cattle markets posted another strong week, with feeder cattle prices moving mostly $5 higher and some classes seeing even larger gains depending on quality and condition. Total feeder cattle receipts came in at 36,277 head, slightly below the previous week but still above year-ago levels. The Missouri stocker formula set a new record high, with 400–649 pound steers averaging $493.57 per hundredweight, up $4.85 from the previous week. Demand remains strong across all classes, with buyers continuing to actively bid on available cattle. Even calves lacking full health programs are still bringing strong prices, although discounts remain in place. Cash cattle trade also moved higher, with live sales reported around $245 and dressed cattle near $385. Boxed beef values, however, declined on the week, with Choice closing at $387.78, down $5.19. Futures markets reflected the strength in cash trade, with live cattle up $4.53 to $7.70 and feeder cattle gaining $10.80 to $11.80, while lean hog futures were slightly lower.
New acreage estimates show a shift in planting intentions for 2026. Corn planted area is estimated at 95.3 million acres, down 3 percent from last year. Soybean acreage is projected at 84.7 million acres, up 4 percent. All wheat planted area is estimated at 43.8 million acres, down 3 percent, which would be the lowest level since records began in 1919. Cotton acreage is expected to increase to 9.64 million acres, up 4 percent from a year ago. Winter wheat is estimated at 32.4 million acres, down 2 percent, including 23.1 million acres of hard red winter, 5.79 million acres of soft red winter, and 3.54 million acres of white winter wheat. Spring wheat is projected at 9.42 million acres, down 6 percent, while durum wheat is expected to total 1.95 million acres, down 11 percent from last year.
Grain stocks increased across all major commodities. Corn stocks as of March 1, 2026 totaled 9.02 billion bushels, up 11 percent from a year ago, with on-farm stocks up 21 percent and off-farm stocks down 2 percent. Soybean stocks totaled 2.10 billion bushels, up 10 percent, with on-farm stocks up 3 percent and off-farm stocks up 16 percent. Wheat stocks came in at 1.30 billion bushels, up 5 percent, with on-farm stocks down 3 percent and off-farm stocks up 8 percent.
Grain markets were mixed during the week, with soybeans posting modest gains while corn and wheat trended lower. Missouri cash bids reflected that same pattern, showing slight strength in soybeans and weakness in corn and wheat. Weather continues to play a role across the state, with March finishing warmer than average despite wide temperature swings. Recent rainfall is expected to support pasture growth moving into April, while fertilizer applications continue and early planting has begun in some areas. Hay markets remain steady to weak on lower-quality supplies, while higher-quality hay continues to hold firm with moderate to light demand.
Overall, the week was highlighted by record-setting strength in cattle markets, shifting acreage toward soybeans, increased grain stocks, and mixed movement in grain markets as the 2026 growing season begins.