Since 1938 the U.S. cattle industry has faced at least eight cycles, rotating from low points in supplies to peaks, and starting all over again.
Historically, cattle cycles typically last ten to eleven years.
With the current cycle about to hit year eleven, many are asking if we’re now due for the cattle herd to rebuild. One expert says that we are not quite there yet.
According to Dr. Josh Maples, “We’re going to have declining supplies in 2024 too, so we are about to hit year eleven of this current cycle. Now, the amazing thing or the interesting thing, whatever you want to say, is all these cycles are about ten years long. You know, we’ve only had two of them that have gone longer than eleven years, and we’re about to hit year eleven. The end of these cycles are characterized by stronger prices, typically. It’s those stronger prices that incentivize producers to hold back efforts to not cull their cows as deep as they have been, which will ultimately lead to more cash being produced the following year and we’re just not there yet. We’re not there yet. I can’t see the end of this cycle yet.”
Today’s U.S. beef herd has reached lows not seen in more than 70 years, totaling just over 87 million head.
Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
February 25, 2026 12:13 PM
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High beef prices are squeezing South Texas restaurants, but Texas Farm Bureau says consumer demand remains strong despite record costs.
February 25, 2026 11:12 AM
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Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation discusses the Dairy Margin Coverage program, recent improvements, and what producers need to know ahead of this week’s enrollment deadline.
February 24, 2026 03:01 PM
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UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
February 24, 2026 01:16 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
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Higher output keeps milk supplies ample, reinforcing expectations for softer dairy prices even as feed costs remain favorable.
February 24, 2026 07:30 AM
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