LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Cull cow prices are entering 2026 at historically high levels, and while seasonal patterns suggest a mid-year rally is still possible, gains may be more modest than usual. That outlook comes from Dr. David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension livestock economist, who says tight supplies remain the dominant factor supporting the market.
Cull cow prices typically soften in the fall as slaughter rises, but that pattern largely failed in late 2025. Southern Plains auction prices for 85–90 percent lean cows held near $163 per hundredweight from June through year-end. Nationally, cutter cow prices dipped seasonally but recovered most of those losses by December, even as cow beef cutout values declined more than 9 percent.
Slaughter trends help explain the resilience. Beef cow culling stayed exceptionally low in 2025, down more than 17 percent year over year, reflecting herd rebuilding efforts and a smaller cow inventory. Dairy cow slaughter increased modestly in the second half of the year as the U.S. dairy herd expanded to its largest size since the early 1990s.
Looking ahead, Anderson expects lean beef grinding supplies to remain tight, supporting prices into mid-year. While dairy cow culling could increase if milk prices weaken further, beef cow slaughter is likely to stay limited.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
February 25, 2026 11:46 AM
·
High beef prices are squeezing South Texas restaurants, but Texas Farm Bureau says consumer demand remains strong despite record costs.
February 25, 2026 11:12 AM
·
Land equity protects solvency but does not replace profitability.
February 25, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the Dairy Margin Coverage program, recent improvements, and what producers need to know ahead of this week’s enrollment deadline.
February 24, 2026 03:01 PM
·
UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
February 24, 2026 01:16 PM
·
The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
·
