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.
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.
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
China’s pullback is hitting core U.S. commodities hard, reshaping export expectations for soybeans, cotton, grains, and livestock.
December 16, 2025 07:00 AM
·
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
December 15, 2025 01:35 PM
·
Regional differences indicate that family ownership is universal, but farm structure and commodity mix determine the extent to which these operations drive agricultural output.
December 15, 2025 01:03 PM
·
Frigid winter weather and rapid temperature swings have cattle markets watching closely for livestock stress, as analysts say fluctuations pose the greatest risk.
December 15, 2025 12:33 PM
·
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
December 15, 2025 12:15 PM
·
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
December 15, 2025 11:34 AM
·
