Cattle prices have been supportive lately, but one auction barn owner says there is one issue facing the industry that goes beyond the market.
“Getting the younger generation to come back in and we’ve definitely got to be profitable for them to be interested in coming back to these farms and ranches, so I think that’s one of the biggest factors today is to make sure that we can get those young people back to the farms and ranches,” said Justin Tupper.
Tupper says, fundamentally, he feels the industry is in a good spot. He says they are just hoping to hold the market and let fundamentals run their course.
Related Stories
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.