LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Cull cow and bull prices remain near record levels early in 2026 as tighter supplies and strong grinding demand support the market, according to Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
Southern Plains auction prices for 85–90 percent lean cows have risen about $3 per hundredweight since January to roughly $167, while the national average for cutter cows is up about $13. The cow beef cutout has also climbed steadily, reaching about $331 per hundredweight in early March. Across the South, breaker cows have posted strong values, including recent March starts near $162 in Mississippi, $164 in Kentucky, and $174 in Georgia.
Bull markets have strengthened even more. Yield grade 1 cull bulls surpassed $200 per hundredweight in February at auctions in Mississippi and Georgia, running roughly $30 higher than a year ago.
Tighter cattle supplies are driving prices higher. Beef cow slaughter is down more than 20 percent so far this year, while dairy cow slaughter is running above last year as herd expansion and lower milk prices influence culling decisions.
Looking ahead, Anderson says seasonal grilling demand and potential summer event-driven consumption could support additional strength in cull cow markets this spring.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Tight supplies continue supporting strong cull values.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
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