LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Cull cow prices continue to grind higher as lean beef demand keeps supporting the market. Dr. David Anderson of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says Southern Plains cull cow auction prices climbed to nearly $180 per hundredweight in late April, up about $15 since January, while cutter cows have gained roughly $30, or almost 25 percent, since the start of the year.
Anderson says one underappreciated support factor is the unusually heavy carcasses of fed cattle. Average federally inspected fed steer dressed weights have stayed above 980 pounds since late 2025, creating more fat trim and increasing the need for lean beef in ground beef blends.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Dr. David Anderson says lean beef demand and lighter cow culling are still giving cull cow prices room to push higher.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Cow slaughter trends are also helping. Dairy cow culling, which ran above year-ago levels early in 2026, pulled back to about year-ago levels in April. Total cow slaughter for the year is reported down 5 percent from last year, even though dairy cow slaughter remains up 6 percent.
Record calf prices are likely keeping more cows on ranches and dairies for one more calf. Anderson says that should continue to support prices, even if some culling increases after calves are weaned.
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
February 11, 2026 02:41 PM
·
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
February 10, 2026 04:25 PM
·
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
February 10, 2026 04:11 PM
·
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
February 10, 2026 03:57 PM
·
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
February 10, 2026 02:27 PM
·
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
February 10, 2026 01:35 PM
·
