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.
University of Arkansas’ James Mitchell explains the cost of price risk in 2026 could be no different than last fall.
USDA’s annual report reveals the smallest total herd since 1951, with beef cow numbers falling to 27.6 million despite a slight uptick in replacement heifers.
Brad Kooima discusses the drivers behind current cattle market volatility and how supply shortages are shaping packer strategies.
Terrain’s Dave Weaber says placements of cattle into feedlots will continue to shrink, long-feared beef slaughter capacity reductions have arrived, and the beef cow herd hasn’t begun to expand.
Tight supplies and strong demand have pushed beef prices and producer profitability to historic highs. After peaking in 2025, CattleFax analyst Kevin Good forecasts prices will see a modest correction while fundamentals remain strong.
Strong demand supports beef prices amid economic volatility, but herd investment and growth slows as producers grapple with increasing uncertainty due to political noise.
Oklahoma State’s Derrell Peel says the beef industry needs time — not politics or policy — to solve beef supply and demand realities.
Meat Institute report analyzes the state of beef cattle markets and points out current pricing myths.
Although warning signs are emerging, economists say record-high beef prices could hold for up to two more years. Tight supplies and strong demand continue to drive the market, but economists and producers are apprehensive with talks of reopening the border.