LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Strong calf prices are not yet enough to trigger herd rebuilding as drought and rising input costs continue to limit expansion decisions. Analysis from Hannah Baker, University of Florida Extension beef economist, highlights growing pressure on cow-calf producers across the Southeast.
Drought remains a major constraint, with all of the Southeast experiencing some level of dryness and about 75 percent in severe to extreme conditions. Stressed forage, combined with early-year freezes, has reduced grazing availability and increased reliance on purchased feed.
Farm-Level Takeaway: High prices alone may not drive herd expansion.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Input costs are adding further pressure. Diesel prices are running roughly 55 percent above a year ago, with some areas topping $6 per gallon. Fertilizer prices have also jumped, with potash, UAN, and urea all posting significant year-over-year increases, raising concerns about forage quality and production.
Despite those challenges, cattle prices remain historically strong. Steer calves in the Southern Plains are up sharply from both last year and the five-year average, supported by tight supplies and strong demand.
As AI-driven data centers expand in rural South Texas, local officials and economists debate water use, farmland impacts, and the balance between technology growth and agriculture preservation.
April 21, 2026 10:10 AM
·
As federal policy shifts toward greater tribal sovereignty, farmers and ranchers (and their legal counsel) must prioritize clear, written contracts and stay engaged with state legislative developments and tribal council updates.
April 21, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Shifts in energy demand will influence fuel, fertilizer, and input costs.
April 21, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Roger McEowen breaks down the EPA’s updated dicamba regulations and shares what farmers need to do to remain compliant under the new rules this growing season.
April 20, 2026 05:01 PM
·
Jarrod Hardke with the University of Arkansas break down extreme drought conditions, shifting planting decisions, and the impact of rising input costs on Arkansas agriculture this season.
April 20, 2026 04:32 PM
·
Louisiana farmers say high water levels routinely threaten crops, highlighting the need for critical infrastructure and sustainability efforts in the Bayou.
April 20, 2026 03:37 PM
·
