– Hannah Baker, M.S., State Specialized Extension Agent – Beef and Forage Economics, Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida/IFAS Extension

In a recent Southern Ag Today article, the trends in farm operating costs over the last few years were discussed based on data released by the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) in May. The article focused mainly on row crops, but the data also includes operating costs for cow-calf production. So, the focus of this article will be looking at historical cow-calf production costs combined with forecasted costs for 2025 and 2026 from the Livestock Marketing Information Center.

Over the last five years, cow-calf operating costs per head have increased by 29 percent nationally, according to data from the ERS and LMIC. Looking back at the 10-year average (2015-2024), annual operating costs for a cow-calf operation have been Continue reading Cow-Calf Production Costs & Returns →

– Dr. Kenny Burdine, Extension Professor, Livestock Marketing, University of Kentucky

Much has been written recently about the strength of the current cattle market. With beef cow inventory at a 60+ year low and demand being very strong, cow-calf operations are clearly in the driver’s seat. Calf values are more than double what they were three years ago, which speaks to considerable opportunity for cow-calf operators to invest in their cowherds. Expansion is often the first opportunity that comes to mind in a strong calf market and there is likely merit in expansion, if doing so is consistent with the goals of the operation. However, some producers may not be interested in growing the size of their cowherds due to land and / or management constraints or other reasons. This article will briefly walk through other opportunities that are worth consideration.

Genetics – Some producers may choose to use the current increase in cow-calf revenues to improve the genetics of their herds. Investment in genetics often has Continue reading Cowherd Expansion is Not the Only Way to Capitalize on a Strong Calf Market →

– Will Secor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor & Extension Livestock Economist, Masters of Agribusiness (MAB) Coordinator, Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics, University of Georgia

While still strong, fed cattle prices have slipped a little.

Cattle prices remain strong year-over-year, but many areas of the country saw prices slip week-over-week. On the fed cattle side, prices for 5-Area fed steers fell by around 2 percent compared to last week. This price drop also came amid a decline in transactions, which fell by nearly 10 percent. Year-over-year price comparisons remain strong with these fed steer prices up by around 17-18 percent.

Feeder cattle price changes varied across the country. According to auction reports last week, average prices for lighter weight feeder cattle fell for Continue reading Strong Cash Cattle Markets Take a Breather →

– Josh Maples, Assistant Professor & Extension Economist, Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University

Cattle prices have continued to push higher over the past few months. Auction prices for feeder steers are up 5 to 10 percent since mid-April depending on location. Live steer prices averaged $238.68 last week – another record and 13 percent above mid-April prices. Prices across feeder cattle and live cattle are 20 to 25 percent above year-ago levels.

Beef values are also pushing higher. The Choice boxed beef cutout value was $382.11 per cwt on Monday, June 16. This is a 19 percent increase above year-ago levels. The weekly choice cutout has been increasing each week since mid-April. The continued weekly increases have already Continue reading Cattle and Beef Prices Push Higher →

– Glynn T. Tonsor, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University

Consumer desire for meat protein is strong.

One of the most intentionally repeated phrases I have used in recent months is “meat is having a moment.”  This reflects multiple signals that consumer desire for meat protein is strong and perhaps broader macroeconomic factors most risk near-term derailment of elevated meat demand supporting higher livestock prices.

This was discussed extensively at the World Pork Expo including an exchange with Tyne Morgan as captured in the Continue reading Meat is Having a Moment →

– James Mitchell, Livestock Marketing Specialist, University of Arkansas

When we reach either extreme of the cattle cycle, it changes how we interpret and forecast price relationships. One challenge is understanding relative prices for cattle in different weight classes and basis, particularly when traditional models rely on historical averages. This article focuses on the role of the cattle cycle, the changing relationship between calf and feeder cattle prices, and the implications for basis.

Figure 1 shows the annual average ratio of Arkansas calf to feeder cattle prices with national January 1 cattle inventories. Tight calf supplies following Continue reading Rethinking Basis Behavior in a High-Price Cattle Market →

– Dr. Andrew Griffith, Assistant Professor, Livestock Marketing Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee

The Choice boxed beef price is nearly $60 per hundredweight higher than the same time one year ago.

FED CATTLE
Fed cattle traded $4 to $5 higher in the South and steady in the North compared to last week. Prices in the South were mainly $233 to $235 while dressed prices were mainly $379 to $381.

The 5-area weighted average prices thru Thursday were $237.50 live, up $3.34 compared to a week ago and $380.14 dressed, up $0.37 from last week. A year ago, prices were $191.65 live and $305.40 dressed.

Southern prices made up a little ground this week when compared to Northern cattle prices. It is common for prices in the North to exceed those in the South, especially during grilling season. However, the price difference the past several months has been a little wider than typically expected. Regardless of marketing location, feedlot managers rarely complain when prices are increasing and at record levels. The continued strength in finished cattle prices has resulted in Continue reading Weekly Livestock Comments for June 13, 2025 →

– Stephen R. Koontz, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, Colorado State University

The cattle markets start the summer moving into record-high price territory.

The cattle markets start the summer moving into record-high price territory. The 5-market weighted average cash fed cattle price pushed past $225/cwt while prices in the southern plains were around $220. Live cattle futures contract prices are at a discount to cash and have struggled to break $215.

By region, depending on whether the cash market in question is in a deficit or surplus of supply, cash feeder cattle prices for 7-8 weight cattle are above $300/cwt, 6-7 weight cattle are above $350, and 5-6 weight animals are pressing $400. Record highs. Feeder cattle futures contract prices have only briefly pressed above $300/cwt.

I am running across discussions and getting questions as to whether or not cattle prices have cyclically peaked. I doubt it. Supplies of beef will Continue reading Record High Cattle Prices →