Drought conditions across the U.S. continue to have an impact on the cattle markets, according to recently published data.
Farm Bureau economists say the most recent Cattle on Feed report was bullish with total cattle on feed down a percent from last year. Bert Nelson points out that states impacted by drought had lower placement numbers, and that could mean lower cattle supplies in the future.
“This is likely due to some tighter calf supplies along with higher feed and input costs amplified by the drought conditions. We’ve seen marketings for fed cattle totaling 1.86 million head for September, this is four percent above this time in 2021. Now, when we really see marketing high and placements become lower over a longer drawn-out period of time, this really signals that lower cattle supplies are in the future,” said Nelson.
USDA numbers show beef slaughter is up, which Nelson says shows that packers need to get cattle in to meet current demand. He says when supplies tighten up and demand remains consistent, we should see prices follow suit.
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
November 10, 2025 10:35 AM
·
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
November 07, 2025 11:32 AM
·
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
November 07, 2025 11:02 AM
·
For tight margins, contract grazing leverages existing acres into new income streams and spreads risk. Here are some tips for row crop farmers looking to diversify.
November 06, 2025 02:45 PM
·
AFBF Economist Danny Munch shares how passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act could give the dairy industry a needed boost.
November 06, 2025 02:31 PM
·
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
November 06, 2025 12:01 PM
·
