There is still a long way to go before the cattle herd starts heading in a positive direction but analyst Lance Zimmerman with Rabo AgriFinance says there are several encouraging signs.
“I would imagine because we do have some of that incentive out there to try and rebuild these herds. We’ve had good rain in certain areas. We’ve rebuilt hay supplies in some areas where it was awfully tight through the central plains this past year. We’ll start to see that number bottoming out earlier than the beef cow number, but we still have a ways to go before we see it trending strongly in a positive direction.”
Zimmerman says he expects the next round of calves to be very high quality and will help grow demand moving forward.
Strong exports and prices are helping offset rising milk supplies.
April 22, 2026 07:00 AM
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Shells from restaurants are collected, cleaned, and returned to the water, where they can support new growth.
April 21, 2026 04:10 PM
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RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses the DOJ investigation into U.S. beef packers, concerns about cattle pricing, and ongoing trade and animal health issues affecting producers.
April 21, 2026 02:37 PM
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Strong demand for U.S. beef in Mexico is boosting exports, with buyers seeking both variety meats and high-quality cuts like Prime and Choice ribeye.
April 21, 2026 12:49 PM
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The Farm Monitor takes us along to see how they’re leaning on technology to improve poultry production.
April 21, 2026 08:00 AM
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Oklahoma livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel helps us break down the April Cattle-on-Feed report and what it signals for herd rebuilding, supplies and prices moving forward.
April 20, 2026 12:36 PM
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