Feedlot Fundamentals
Harnessing the full potential of the finishing phase requires a seamless integration of health, nutrition and partnership. From the importance of pre-arrival conditioning and transition protocols to the shifting dynamics of how pens are filled in today’s market, every decision impacts the bottom line. By exploring the nutritional development of stockers and the long-term effects of extended feeding on beef supply and carcass quality, producers can optimize cattle performance from the ranch to the rail.
Total cattle numbers are tight, but the beef industry is maximizing every head. Two economists break down the “uneven” slaughter trends shaping the 2026 outlook.
Terrain’s Dave Weaber says herd expansion remains on hold heading into 2027, with feeder cattle and fed cattle prices expected to hit new highs in Q3 — even as a potential strong El Niño and the Cargill Fort Morgan lockout add fresh uncertainty to the supply picture.
U.S. feedlot inventory hits 11.5 million as the closure of Lubbock Feeders signals growing pressure from border disruptions and declining cow herd numbers.
University of Arkansas’ James Mitchell explains the cost of price risk in 2026 could be no different than last fall.
Data was mostly neutral compared to pre-report expectations.