LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Beef supplies are beginning their seasonal recovery, offering possible relief from recent retail price highs without signaling a larger cattle supply. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension livestock economist Dr. David Anderson says production remains below last year.
Weekly beef production averaged 6.1 percent below 2025 levels from January through April. In May, the year-over-year decline narrowed to 3.8 percent as slaughter moved above early-spring lows.
Steer slaughter has edged higher, while heifer slaughter has increased slightly. Beef cow culling remains below last year but has increased from early-year levels. Heavy-fed cattle weights continue supporting total beef output.
Seasonally tight spring supplies met grilling-season demand, helping push retail beef prices higher. More cattle on feed and continued heavy carcass weights could increase summer production from spring lows and slow further price gains.
The improvement does not mean beef production will exceed last year or that consumers will see lower year-over-year prices. Limited cattle inventories remain the broader issue, keeping cattle values supported while beef remains expensive.
