Beef cattle
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Beef cattle
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Prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The Market Update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports.
The fed cattle market was steady to $2 lower last week and early calls were for prices to be steady to lower this week, but area auction markets reported that the market was higher. Packers had bought cattle for future delivery in late May and early June and most have moved through the system, so packers were looking for cattle. Harvest may be limited in hopes that less beef will fuel higher wholesale prices to improve packer margins. Beef demand is still being called strong, but wholesale prices have not increased much. The Choice beef cutout has been stuck in a range between $389.03 and $393.62 since May 1. The cutout averaged $392.71 last week, making it 92 cents lower.
JBS announced it will close its Souderton, Pennsylvania plant on August 14. The facility employes nearly 1,500 workers and harvests about 2,000 head per day. Plant closures, production cutbacks, and strikes have not adversely impacted cattle prices, but concern remains about whether capacity will be sufficient when the cattle herd is rebuilt. Last week’s estimated harvest of 524,000 head was 9,000 fewer than the previous week and 36,000 fewer than last year. Beef production for the remainder of 2026 has been lowered on reduced steer, heifer, and cow harvest according to the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. Heavier live and carcass weights will offset some of the lower harvest. Production is expected to increase in 2027 based on higher placement rates. Exports are expected to be lower for the rest of this year and are projected to be lower through 2027.
Fed Cattle
Fed cattle were mostly steady to higher last week. Top quality beef steers and heifers brought $240-$260/cwt. Mixed Choice and Select steers and heifers ranged from $228-$240/cwt. High grading Holstein steers were steady to strong bringing $210-$238/cwt. Lower grading steers brought $180-$210/cwt. Silage fed and under finished steers brought $95-$180/cwt. Dairy Beef cross steers were $1-$2 higher, bringing $210-$250 with some higher. Cows were lower, bringing $100-$148/cwt with some still selling into the $170s. Lower yielding cows brought $60-$100/cwt. Doubtful health and thin cows brought up to $60/cwt. Dairy breed bull calves were lower selling from $800- $1,700/head. Dairy breed heifer calves brought $200-$800/head. Beef and Beef Cross calves were lower from $800 to $1,800/head. Light and lower quality calves sold up to $60. New crop lambs brought $240-$300 cwt.
