NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Cattle markets are setting up for a significant supply squeeze in late spring and early summer 2026 as sharply lower feedlot placements in December 2025 work their way through the system. According to analysis from Hyrum Egbert, Author of The Big Bad Beef Packer newsletter on LinkedIn, the decline points directly to tighter fed-cattle availability during a period when packer demand is typically strongest.
December placements fell to just 89 percent of year-ago levels nationwide, with the deepest cuts concentrated in core feeding states. Texas placements were at roughly 83 percent of last year, Kansas at nearly 80 percent, and Colorado at about 78 percent. Those cattle would normally be harvested about 150 to 160 days later, creating what Egbert describes as a “supply air pocket” centered on May and June.
That timing matters. Late spring and early summer are historically peak demand periods for beef, and packers rely on steady throughput to control costs. With fewer cattle in the pipeline, plant utilization rates are likely to remain under pressure, even after recent capacity reductions.
Egbert notes the issue is structural rather than temporary. Lower placements today mathematically guarantee tighter supplies tomorrow, regardless of demand conditions.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
CoBank Lead Grains Economist Tanner Ehmke joins us to share insight and concerns over current grain storage capacity as export demand lags.
October 09, 2025 01:36 PM
·
Large animal veterinarian Dr. Rosalyn Biggs with Oklahoma State University warns producers may not be prepared for the real threat of New World Screwworm.
October 09, 2025 01:10 PM
·
October 09, 2025 11:36 AM
·
Considering raising your own replacements instead of buying bred heifers? Three key factors to consider before investing capital.
October 08, 2025 03:03 PM
·
Reliable, clearly graded middle meats still anchor demand; programs that deliver consistent eating quality and simple, confidence-building menus capture more repeat visits—and more value—back through the beef chain.
October 08, 2025 12:57 PM
·
Prepare for tighter cash flow, delayed capital buys, and policy-driven risk management this fall.
October 08, 2025 12:12 PM
·
Delaware FarmHER Katie Evans turns “ugly” produce into delicious treats through her nationally recognized brand, The Frozen Farmer
October 07, 2025 03:12 PM
·
George Baird, with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), joins us with updates on how this year’s rice harvest is shaping up.
October 07, 2025 03:12 PM
·
Crop insurance remains a vital tool for managing climate-driven risk.
October 07, 2025 03:07 PM
·
