Beef Cattle
Livestock purchases hit $74.4 billion in 2025, topping feed costs for the first time in 41 years of USDA data — a shift driven by surging protein demand and cheap grain, but one that threatens to extend the cattle herd rebuilding cycle.
Long-awaited decision may remove a layer of uncertainty hanging over cattle market
The report also showed a record-low calf crop estimate for 2026
Here’s what to watch when USDA rolls out data on cattle inventories, cattle on feed, and cold storage.
Placements and marketings were each down notably from year-ago, though marketings in May were near record low for the month.
Lower production potentials are outweighing potential softening demand
Uncooked ground beef and steaks saw price drops last month, but inflation remains a problem for the White House and the Fed.
Ben Rand of Blue Line Futures says an unprecedented Western drought is shrinking crops, drying up wells, tightening hay supplies and accelerating cattle herd liquidation across the region
Despite daily volatility, cattle markets are still driven by strong demand and tight supplies. Rising fuel costs could pressure consumers, but slow herd expansion keeps the long-term outlook bullish through the decade.
Figures largely in line with analyst expectations