Persistent severe drought across the Southern and Central Plains, Texas, and other major cattle regions continues to drive trader sentiment for the week of October 6, with recent U.S. Drought Monitor data indicating roughly 50-70% of the national cattle inventory in drought-affected areas as of late September. Flash drought intensification, poor pasture conditions, and elevated feed costs from the driest first eight months in decades create pressure for higher percentages, while scattered relief from tropical moisture remnants and a strengthening El Niño—favoring variable precipitation patterns—introduce uncertainty in short-term model runs. Official monitoring from NOAA and the National Drought Mitigation Center will determine resolution among the closely matched mid-range bins.