Ag economists are closely watching the cattle markets in the coming weeks. They are starting to notice signs that prices could soon shift.
“Quite a few people are nervous that some of the consumer and macro-economic signals are starting to decline, and that could impact meat prices. There’s also a concern about the international markets. This week, the headline was about the Chinese government not renewing a license for U.S. meat export facilities and what that could mean for meat prices,” said Ben Brown.
Brown says demographics play a role, too. He is seeing a shift and says producers are taking advantage of high cattle prices.
“I would also say we are seeing some shifts in demographics. That’s playing out in the data. Producers are choosing this as an opportunity to sell out, take advantage of high cattle prices, and sell out. You know, those cows are going down the road to a different operation. Well, I take that back. A lot of the cows are ending up in processing facilities.”
Brown says drought has also been a concern over the last year, leading to fewer grain-consuming animals. While a lot of different fators are at play right now, he says he is staying focused on market trends.
At the Port of Brownsville, shrimpers are facing rising operating costs and increased competition, but many shrimp producers and local lawmakers remain optimistic about the industry’s future.
March 19, 2026 01:22 PM
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Higher prices are bringing relief to markets, but rising input costs are putting pressure on the producers.
March 19, 2026 12:59 PM
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Governor Jim Pillen joined us to share the latest on the Nebraska wildfires, discuss relief efforts, and outline considerations for producers navigating the ongoing situation.
March 19, 2026 12:51 PM
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APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
March 18, 2026 02:08 PM
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This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
March 18, 2026 01:22 PM
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Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
March 18, 2026 12:53 PM
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